Iran: the “most active state sponsor of terrorism”
What is state-sponsored terrorism?
The U.S. government designates the Islamic Republic of Iran as the “most active state sponsor of terrorism.”
State-sponsored terrorism is the act of a state directly supporting terrorist acts or organizations through funds, weapons, smuggling assistance, training camps, media outlets, propaganda, and sanctuary. The U.S. Department of State further outlines state-sponsored terrorism: “Countries determined by the Secretary of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism are designated pursuant to three laws: section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act. Taken together, the four main categories of sanctions resulting from the designation under these authorities include restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance; a ban on defense exports and sales; certain controls over exports of dual use items; and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions.”
Since the Iran Hostage Crisis began in 1979, Iran (specifically the Revolutionary Guard Corps – IRGC) has been repeatedly tied to terrorist acts against the United States and its allies throughout the world.
Overview of State-Sponsored Terrorism by Iran:
Acts of state-sponsored terrorism by Iran can largely be broken down into a number of forms.
Iran has a long history of terror acts against the U.S. and Israel, mainly through bombings, abductions, and hijackings. Iran has also acted against America’s Persian Gulf allies and has a history of committing state-sponsored assassinations of dissidents and opposition groups. In addition to carrying out direct attacks, Iran commits terrorism by proxy through Hezbollah, Hamas, the Taliban, insurgents in Iraq and other terrorist groups.
Timeline of Iranian State-Sponsored Acts of Terrorism:
Iranian Hostage Crisis
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Formation of Hezbollah
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President Amadinejad embracing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah Hezbollah militants |
U.S. Embassy Bombing – Beirut, Lebanon
- 63 people killed, including 17 Americans
- The attack occurred when a suicide bomber in a pickup truck drove into the Embassy
- According to the U.S., Hezbollah operatives were responsible for the bombing, and received support – financially and logistically—from Syria and Iran.16
- Deadliest terror attack on Americans outside of U.S. soil until the U.S. Marine Barracks Bombing six months later.18
Barracks Bombings – Beirut, Lebanon
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The destroyed U.S. marine barracks |
U.S. Embassy Bombing in Kuwait
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The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, following the bombing |
25http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/target/etc/cron.html
Lebanese Hostage Crisis
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CIA Station Chief William Buckley |
U.S. Embassy Annex Bombing – Aukar, Lebanon, Northeast of BeirutSeptember 20, 1984
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Bombed U.S. Embassy Annex |
Hijacking of TWA Flight 847
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Captain John Testrake held at gunpoint during the hijacking of Flight 847 |
1989 Khomeini’s Fatwa against Salman Rushdie
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Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie |
Iran-Sponsored Assassinations of Iranian Dissidents and Opposition leaders
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Bodies of Kurdish leader Ghassemlou and follower in the apartment following the attack |
1992 Israeli Embassy bombing in Argentina
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Bodies of Kurdish leader Ghassemlou and follower in the apartment following the attack |
1993 World Trade Center bombing
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1993 World Trade Center Bombing |
1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina
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AMIA center ruins |
1996 Khobar Towers bombing
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Khobar Towers Attack Aftermath |
Iran provides money, weapons and training to several Shia militias operating in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan, directly contributing to American and allied deaths in the region. Iranian involvement in Iraq Iranian Supplying of Weapons |
Following the Trail of Iran’s Meddling in Iraq (The Long War Journal) Seized weaponry in Iraq reportedly smuggled from Iran Taliban militants |
Support of Taliban |
Taliban Militants |
Iranian Support of Terrorism against Israel, 1980 – Present
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Israel has intercepted Iranian weaponry intended for Palestinian groups |