Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act

This bill tells the U.S. government to quickly decide if the Polisario Front should be labeled a terrorist group and face sanctions, based on a formal review by the State and Treasury Departments within 90 days. It also orders a detailed report within 180 days on the group’s leaders, actions, and foreign support, including ties to Iran, Russia, Hezbollah, the IRGC, and the PKK; the report must be unclassified, though a classified add-on is allowed. The bill’s findings say the Polisario Front has long links to Iran and has reportedly received training and drones from Iranian-backed groups. The President may waive any designation or sanctions if the group is taking part in good-faith talks to carry out Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara.

Key points

• Who is affected: The Polisario Front; U.S. State and Treasury Departments that must review and report.
• What changes: A 90-day decision on possible terrorist designation and sanctions, plus a 180-day report on the group’s structure and foreign backing; possible waiver if peace talks progress.
• Context cited in the bill: Reported links to Iran and training and drones from Iranian-backed groups.