WANA (Sep 16) – Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hamas, and Hezbollah as so-called “terrorist organizations,” citing threats to the country’s sovereignty and national security.

 

The announcement came via an executive order issued on Monday, September 15, which follows similar measures taken by other countries against these groups. The order states that Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC pose risks to Ecuador’s governance, public order, and territorial integrity.

 

Noboa instructed Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center to analyze the impact of these organizations on armed groups within the country and to categorize them accordingly. The center is also tasked with coordinating with foreign intelligence agencies if necessary.

 

This move follows a report presented by the National Intelligence Center on May 28, 2025, which warned of the potential influence of Hamas and Hezbollah in South America, including Ecuador.

 

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised Ecuador’s decision in a post on the social media platform X, thanking the country’s president and foreign minister.

 

He described the measure as a “bold action” against Iran’s terror network and said it would strengthen Ecuador’s security, urging other countries in Latin America and worldwide to follow suit.

 

The announcement comes amid international criticism of Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza and acts of extraterritorial terrorism, including attacks on resistance figures and Iranian military and nuclear personnel.

Iranians celebrate on a street after the IRGC attack on Israel

Iranians celebrate on a street after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran, October 1, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)