US labels Iran's Guards as terrorist organization, triggering retaliation

WASHINGTON -- The United States on Monday designated Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a "foreign terrorist organization" (FTO), an unprecedented move that will further heighten US-Iran tensions, and complicate the Middle East situation.

"This designation will be the first time that the United States has ever named a part of another government as an FTO," US President Donald Trump said in a statement issued by the White House.

"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 said.

Iran immediately condemned the Trump administration's decision as "a dangerous US misadventure in the region" and labelled US Central Command forces in West Asia as "a terrorist group."

Iran's Supreme National Security Council considers the US government as the "sponsor of terrorism" and announces the US Central Command and its affiliated forces in West Asia as a "terrorist group," the official IRNA news agency reported, citing a statement by the council.

Beijing said on Tuesday that countries should not resort to power politics or bullying when dealing with international relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the regular news briefing that China has always believed countries should uphold the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He said he hoped that major countries outside the Middle East will act in favor of peace and stability of the region and avoid actions that will further escalate tensions.