Costa Rica Labels Iran Guards, Hamas, Houthis as Terror Groups

Costa Rica has officially designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthi movement as terrorist organizations, in a move aimed at strengthening national security and tightening immigration controls.

Public Security Minister Mario Zamora said the decision targets groups considered a threat to international security and is intended to prevent potential members from entering or operating within the country. He added that Costa Rican authorities will work closely with international partners to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts across the Western Hemisphere.

The announcement aligns Costa Rica with a growing number of US allies adopting tougher measures against Iran-linked groups. Argentina recently made a similar designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, signaling a broader regional shift.

The move comes amid closer ties between Costa Rica and the administration of President Donald Trump, with San José joining regional security initiatives focused on combating drug trafficking and transnational threats.

According to reports, the US has been actively encouraging allies to classify organizations such as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Lebanon’s Hezbollah as terrorist groups. 

Diplomatic communications signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio were recently sent to US missions worldwide, urging coordinated action.