Dominican Republic designates Hezbollah and IRGC as terrorist groups

The Dominican Republic, on Tuesday, May 12, officially designated Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organisations, joining a growing number of countries taking similar measures, as per Israeli media.

With this decision, the Dominican Republic becomes the 45th country in the past year to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, reflecting an expanding international trend.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the move, praising it as part of a broader global effort to counter terrorism. He wrote, “Another important reinforcement to the international front against terrorism: Congratulations to the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, on the designation of Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organisations."

“This important decision sends a clear message against the terrorist policies of Iran and its proxies and demonstrates a commitment to regional and global security," Sa’ar added.

The announcement follows similar steps taken elsewhere. Last month, Argentina designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, positioning itself as a leading country in South America in confronting what it describes as the Iranian regime.

Sa’ar also praised Javier Milei for that decision, noting it builds on earlier actions recognising Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organisations. “This decision places Argentina, under Milei’s leadership, at the forefront of the free world in the fight against the Iranian terror regime and its proxies," Sa’ar said.

In Europe, the European Council formalised in February its decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, further underscoring the widening international stance against the group.

By Tamilla Hasanova