US State Department working to declare Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as "terrorists."

Groundwork for this madness was laid in August 2 this year when the bozo POTUS signed CAATSA into law.

CAATSA = 'Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.' 

The IRGC is Iran’s most powerful security institution with plenty of influence on the country's political and economic system as well as the responsibility for preserving the principles of the  homegrown revolution.  IRGC has played a major role battling terrorists in Syria and Iraq and has been instrumental in achieving many victories.  Trump hasn't yet announced whether or not he will sign this ludicrous bill, but it will be close to a miracle if he doesn't.  The deadline is October 15.  He is expected to decertify JCPOA and specifically target IRGC and Hezbollah with sanctions.  The core idea is to weaken Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Syria and consequently put the Syrian army in a tougher situation.  Blacklisting IRGC would be the start of another lengthy era of US-Alqaeda cooperation with new buccaneering titles showered on the terror network's sub-groups.

This was one of the reasons for King Salman al-Saud's recent visit to Moscow.  The economic agenda was to invest in Russian economy and construction, and the King's most important political agenda was to persuade Vladimir Putin to pressure Iran out of Syria and stop backing Ansarullah in Yemen; to work closely with Moscow to unite the Syrian opposition and expand its foundation.  Trade deals worth $3 billion were signed within three days.  It remains to be seen how far the Russian leader goes to appease the Kingdom over its various political fixations.  Considering Putin's ancient precept of helping a 'useful friend' and hugging its arch enemy with greater compassion may not leave us guessing for too long.

Iran's response to this law, if implemented, is already plain and firm.  It won't return to the negotiating table to bargain over regional issues and will treat US troops like Daesh (something that needs to be done by all countries regardless of CAATSA).  Quoting the statement of IRGC chief commander, Mohammed Ali Jaafri "The Islamic Republic of Iran intends to solve the regional issues somewhere else other than the negotiating table; (the US should know that) there is (absolutely) nothing and no one to negotiate about or with."  Large swathes of the Persian Gulf identify as Iranian waters where sea traffic is monitored and controlled by Iran.  Weapons systems of IRGC Navy have far-reaching capabilities, already demonstrated in numerous wargames.  IRGC chief asserted that if CAATSA takes effect, US must get out of the Persian Gulf and stay at least 2,000km away from Iran.

Iran is preparing what any nation would prepare in similar circumstances.  Writes Veterans Today:  "Under international law every country is entitled to defend itself from superior military threats."