Costa Rica Designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis as Terrorist Organizations

09/04/2026

Costa Rica Designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis as Terrorist Organizations

SAN JOSE, Apr 9: Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and three Iran-aligned groups — Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis — as terrorist organizations, according to a statement released Thursday.

The foreign ministry said the decision was taken on Monday in line with Costa Rica’s international commitments to combat terrorism and its financing. The move formally places the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps alongside Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Gaza-based Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis on Costa Rica’s terror list.

Officials said the designation will strengthen the ability of intelligence agencies and judicial authorities to investigate, prevent, and prosecute any logistical or financial support networks operating within the country that may be linked to these groups.

The ministry added that the measure is intended to enhance cooperation with international partners and improve enforcement against financing channels supporting designated organizations.

The announcement marks a significant policy shift for Costa Rica, expanding its counterterrorism framework to include multiple Iran-linked regional groups and aligning its stance with broader international security measures.