US Senators Seek Terrorist Designation for Polisario Front Over Iran Links

Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has introduced legislation that could lead to the designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, citing concerns over its growing cooperation with Iran and groups already designated as terrorists. The Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act of 2026, sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), and Rick Scott (R-Florida), requires the Secretary of State to formally assess the extent of collaboration between the Polisario Front and Iranian entities before making a determination.

The bill’s introduction comes amid escalating anxieties in Washington regarding Iran’s expanding regional influence and its alleged efforts to destabilize North Africa and the Sahel. According to Senator Cruz, the Iranian regime is actively attempting to replicate the model of support it provides to groups like the Houthis in Yemen by bolstering the Polisario Front. The Iranian regime is trying to turn the Polisario Front into the Houthis of West Africa and leverage them to undermine the national security of the United States and our allies, Senator Cruz stated in a press release issued on March 13, 2026.

The legislation specifically mandates that the Secretary of State determine whether the Polisario Front is cooperating with Iranian groups that have already been designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. Government. If such cooperation is confirmed, the Secretary would be obligated to designate the Polisario Front itself as a terrorist entity. This designation would trigger a range of punitive measures, including sanctions that would cut off the group’s access to the global financial system, restrict international travel for its leaders, and impede its ability to acquire resources necessary for its operations.

Senator Cotton echoed these concerns, stating bluntly that the Polisario Front is a terrorist organization that openly supports Iran and Hezbollah. He characterized the potential designation as long overdue. The Polisario Front has been engaged in a decades-long dispute with Morocco over the territory of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony. The conflict has involved intermittent armed clashes and has become a regional flashpoint, drawing in the involvement of neighboring countries and external actors.

Senator Scott emphasized the broader geopolitical implications of the Polisario Front’s alleged ties to adversarial nations. The Polisario Front’s ties to adversaries like Communist China, Iran, and Russia, and its cooperation with Iranian-backed terrorists like Hezbollah must be confronted, he said. This bill makes clear that any threat to the American people and our way of life will be met with decisive action. The reference to China and Russia suggests a growing U.S. Concern that the Polisario Front could become a conduit for broader geopolitical competition in the region.

The bill calls for a comprehensive investigation into the nature and extent of military and terrorist cooperation between the Polisario Front and Iranian-affiliated groups. This investigation would encompass an assessment of various forms of support, including the provision of weapons systems, training, and logistical assistance. The findings of this investigation would be compiled into a report submitted to Congress.

The timing of this legislative push is significant. The region surrounding Western Sahara has seen increased instability in recent years, fueled by extremist groups and transnational criminal networks. The potential for the Polisario Front to serve as a proxy for Iranian influence in this volatile environment is a key driver behind the Senators’ concerns. The bill’s proponents argue that a terrorist designation would serve as a deterrent, disrupting the flow of support to the group and limiting its ability to operate effectively.

The Polisario Front has consistently denied any links to terrorism, portraying itself as a national liberation movement fighting for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. However, U.S. Officials have reportedly expressed growing concern over evidence suggesting that the group has been receiving military assistance from Iran, including drones supplied by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The alleged transfer of drones raises particularly serious concerns, as they could be used to target regional infrastructure or U.S. Interests.

The introduction of this legislation is likely to further strain relations between the United States and Algeria, which has historically been a key supporter of the Polisario Front. Algeria views the conflict in Western Sahara as a matter of regional security and has consistently advocated for a negotiated settlement that respects the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. A U.S. Designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization could be seen by Algeria as a hostile act and could potentially lead to a deterioration in bilateral relations.

The bill now moves to committee consideration, where it will be subject to further debate and potential amendments. Its prospects for passage will depend on a number of factors, including the level of support it receives from other members of Congress and the Biden administration’s stance on the issue. The State Department has not yet publicly commented on the legislation.