Topic: 2025 – Reducing Recruitment Capabilities of Terrorist Groups
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Lydia Lawrenson
Terrorism and the conditions that cause and sustain it reflects the lack of economic and humanitarian stability within the global community. The Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply aware of these issues and recognizes the danger posed by weakened nations whose instability increases terrorist recruitment. The Islamic Republic of Iran experiences this challenge within its own borders, as Afghan and Pakistani refugees seeking asylum often become vulnerable targets for terrorist organizations. Iran emphasizes that terrorism is a shared international problem and placing blame on specific member states is an ineffective way to address an issue that threatens us all. With this understanding, Iran is prepared to help confront the various ways terrorist recruitment occurs, including through social media, the vulnerabilities faced by refugees, and the exploitation of personal networks.
Iran has taken significant steps to reduce terrorism domestically. Our legislation aligns with international standards, such as the Amendment to the Countering Financing of Terrorism Act, which follows the guidelines established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). These measures tie directly into Iran’s commitments under the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorism. Key components of our amended CTF laws include the criminalization of terrorist financing, asset freezing, and strengthened due diligence procedures. Our willingness to adopt these reforms and cooperate in extradition cases when communication becomes unclear demonstrates Iran’s commitment to contributing to solving this global challenge.
It is also important to recognize the distinction between legitimate resistance movements and terrorist groups. Many nations have independent groups that express their beliefs separately from their government’s official stance, especially in situations involving foreign occupation or centralized external control. In Iran’s case, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which leads most of our national military operations, has played a crucial role in fighting terrorism. The IRGC has been central in defeating extremist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, reflecting Iran’s dedication to dismantling active terrorist networks. As a nation, Iran continues to work toward reducing misinformation about these efforts and strengthening global cooperation in combating terrorism.
The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to working with the global community to reduce the root causes of terrorism and limit the conditions that allow extremist groups to grow. By strengthening international cooperation, supporting the standards set by organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force, and continuing to enforce our updated counter-terrorism and counter-financing laws, Iran aims to set a clear example of active responsibility. At the same time, the Iranian delegation will continue distinguishing legitimate resistance movements from terrorist groups, while emphasizing the crucial role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in defeating organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Iran believes that through shared effort, respect for international law, and a focus on humanitarian and economic stability, we can create a safer world and limit the influence of terrorist networks across all nations.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112shrg76693/html/CHRG-112shrg76693.htm
https://www.unhcr.org/ir/refugees-iran
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/76/int_terrorism/iran_e.pdf#:~:text=In%20this%20context%2C%20the%20Islamic%20Revolutionary%20Guard,terrorism%20in%20all%20its%20forms%20and%20manifestations.
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/72/pdfs/statements/int_terrorism/iran.pdf
