Jason D. Greenblatt, former special envoy of the White House for the Middle East, urges that the Polisario Front be classified as a terrorist organization, highlighting its growing ties with Iran. This statement aligns with the actions of American political figures such as Joe Wilson and Ted Cruz, and sheds light on a little-known "Iranian proxy war". DR ‹ › Jason D. Greenblatt, who served as a special envoy to the Middle East during the first Trump administration and played a pivotal role in the Abraham Accords, is advocating for the designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization. His position aligns with efforts by Joe Wilson and Ted Cruz in Washington. He cautions the global community about «this Iranian ally that has quietly taken root elsewhere, and almost no one is noticing: the Polisario Front», referring to an «Iranian proxy war that the world is unaware of». «The Polisario Front (...) aims to establish an independent state, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), proclaimed in 1976 during its armed conflict with Morocco. Today, only a few governments recognize the SADR.» Jason D. Greenblatt The former U.S. official also notes that Tehran recognized the SADR as early as 1980, and «its ties with the Polisario have deepened since». Morocco frequently accuses Iran and Hezbollah of providing «training, logistical support, and weaponry» to the Polisario's armed militias. Rabat justified its diplomatic break with Iran on May 1, 2018, by citing Hezbollah's military support for the movement led by Brahim Ghali. «When Iran engages with groups like the Polisario, its goal is not merely symbolic support. Tehran gains influence, operational reach, and the ability to destabilize regions through proxy armed groups rather than direct confrontation.» Polisario, Hezbollah, Houthis Jason D. Greenblatt warns that «the absence of an official designation does not mitigate the strategic risk. History offers a clear warning». «By establishing ties with the Polisario, Iran has secured a foothold in North Africa and gained leverage over Morocco, one of Washington's most dependable regional allies.» He concludes his analysis by stressing that «attacking Morocco, therefore, undermines American interests. For too long, the world has responded to Iran's proxy strategy by turning a blind eye, hoping that local conflicts would remain contained. This approach has contributed to the crises we face today». As a reminder, the United States designated Hezbollah as a terrorist entity in 1997. Washington re-listed the Houthis in February 2025. Since Donald Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, nearly 25 groups have been added to the American list of terrorist organizations.
