Treasury Designates Quds Force Deputy Commander

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Treasury designated five individuals and two entities under Executive Order 13438 for threatening the peace and stability of Iraq and the Government of Iraq. The Treasury Department's action freezes any bank accounts or other financial assets found in the United States belonging to those listed and prohibits Americans from doing business with them.

Abdul al-Reza Shahlai, deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' al Qods (Jerusalem) Force, was among those designated. According to Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, "These individuals are targeting and planning attacks against innocent Iraqis, the Government of Iraq, Coalition Forces, and U.S. troops. Their lethal and destabilizing tactics, especially by Iran's Qods Force, are intended to undermine Iraq as it strives for peace and prosperity."