Examining the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Labeling as Terrorists by the United States from the Perspective of International Law

This article examines the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' labeling as terrorists by the United States in the framework of the international law. In its latest action against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This is the first time that an official body of an independent government from another country has faced such a decision. U.S. officials have accused the IRGC of supporting terrorism in the region, and have cited their action as a lever to increase pressure and bring Iran to the negotiating table. In the present article, an attempt has been made to discuss this issue by providing a definition of terrorism and reviewing international documents and U.S. domestic laws. In addition, a legal analysis of this action is done while providing a description of the conditions created. By calling the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and all its affiliates a terrorist group, the Islamic Republic of Iran has retaliated against the U.S. move. The findings are based on the principle that this action by the United States is contrary to the principles of the UN Charter, and violates the international peace, security and order, and calls for a strong presence of the Security Council as a UN peacekeeper. Also, under Articles 40 and 41 of the International Law Commission on State Responsibility, the United States has international responsibility, is condemned to non-recognition, and must, in principle, be reported to the Security Council.