Trump Administration Urges Allies to Label Iran, Hezbollah as Terrorists

0:00On March 16, the Trump administration sent a State Department cable on Monday directing U.S. diplomats worldwide to urge allies to label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, officials cited a heightened risk of attacks from these groups and their networks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the directive, which calls for diplomats to raise the issue at the highest levels by this Friday. It also stresses coordinating closely with Israeli counterparts to build a united front. This push comes amid efforts to rally partners after a U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran that began two weeks ago. Many allies were caught off guard and remain hesitant, with several now declining to deploy ships to help reopen the straight-of-form moves for oil. Shipments The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps serves as Iran's elite force, safeguarding its leadership and dominating much of the economy while Hezbollah operates as a Lebanon-based militia.

1:01Both are already blacklisted by the United States and others, but the cable argues joint designations would curb their global reach more effectively, through collective pressure. State Department officials say these steps aim to promote stability by weakening Iran-back threats, setting the stage for broader diplomatic momentum in the region.