Costa Rica Declares IRCG, Proxies Terror Organizations
The decision, adopted earlier in the week and confirmed publicly on Wednesday, was framed as part of Costa Rica’s broader commitments to combat terrorism and its financing.
Costa Rica has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis as terrorist organizations, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced.
The decision, adopted earlier in the week and confirmed publicly on Wednesday, was framed as part of Costa Rica’s broader commitments to combat terrorism and its financing.
According to the ministry, the designation is intended to strengthen the ability of intelligence and judicial authorities to prevent, investigate, and prosecute activities linked to these groups. Officials said it would also help target financial and logistical networks that could operate within the country in support of such organizations.
The government added that the move aims to prevent any influence or activity by these groups inside Costa Rica, emphasizing the need to safeguard public security and protect democratic institutions.
The decision places Costa Rica among a growing number of countries that have recently taken similar steps, particularly regarding the IRGC. Several European and Latin American states have moved to designate the Iranian force as a terrorist organization in recent weeks, amid the ongoing war involving Iran.
Argentina announced a similar designation at the end of March, while a number of European countries, including Moldova and North Macedonia, have also taken action.
The United States has encouraged allies to adopt such measures, urging broader international alignment in efforts to counter Iran-backed groups and their global networks.
Costa Rica’s move reflects a wider trend of governments expanding legal tools to address concerns over terrorism financing and transnational militant activity, particularly in the context of heightened regional tensions.