Iran Designates US ARMY in the Middle East as 'Terrorist Group'

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Monday designated United States forces in the Middle East, known as the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), as a "terrorist organization."

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This move came after the U.S. designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization.

Condemning the move by the U.S., SNSC said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran regards this baseless move as a major threat to regional and international peace and security and a blatant violation of the compelling rules of international law and the United Nations Charter."

The SNSC also added that CENTCOM was tasked with implementing U.S. terrorist policies against Middle East countries which eventually led to endangering of lives of Iranians and non-Iranians.

It gave the example of Yemeni citizens whose lives have been put at risk continuously due to Saudi-led war against the country in which the U.S. military plays a part.

Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump said, "The IRGC is the Iranian government’s primary means of directing and implementing its global terrorist campaign.”

“This unprecedented step, led by the Department of State, recognizes the reality that Iran is not only a State Sponsor of Terrorism, but that the IRGC actively participates in, finances, and promotes terrorism as a tool of statecraft,” Trump added.

The move by the U.S. was criticized by Syria. Syria’s Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said Damascus condemned the decision which is a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.

The unnamed Syrian official also said that the U.S. launched a war against Iran by taking the said measure.