Prominent U.S. senators have introduced legislation calling on the State Department to assess whether the Polisario Front should be designated a foreign terrorist organization, citing alleged links to Iran and its regional allies.
The bill, titled the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act of 2026, was introduced March 13 by Ted Cruz, alongside Tom Cotton and Rick Scott. It comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and broader concerns over regional security.
The proposed legislation would require the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a detailed report to Congress within 90 days assessing whether the Polisario Front meets the legal criteria for designation under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
If the criteria are met, the designation would trigger automatic sanctions, including the freezing of assets under U.S. jurisdiction, travel bans on members and leaders, and criminal penalties for providing material or logistical support.
The bill also calls for an investigation into alleged Iranian support, including the provision of drones, surveillance technology and military training, reportedly involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah.
According to the text, the alleged cooperation forms part of a broader Iranian strategy to expand influence in North and West Africa and threaten U.S. allies.
The legislation warns that Polisario military activities east of Morocco’s security barrier could destabilize the region and nearby maritime routes.
The bill also urges closer coordination with regional partners, particularly Morocco, to counter arms flows and financing networks linked to the group. It adds that any state or entity continuing to support the Polisario Front after a potential designation could face secondary U.S. sanctions.
Analysts say the initiative reflects growing support in Washington for a tougher stance. Mohamed Neshtaoui, a professor of international relations, described the move as a “significant step” toward possible designation, pointing to previous congressional efforts and allegations involving trafficking, recruitment practices and regional militant ties.
Geopolitical analyst Lahcen Aqartit said the bill could mark a decisive phase in the issue, particularly if adopted amid shifting global dynamics. He noted that additional backing from lawmakers suggests the proposal may gain momentum in Congress.
If passed, observers say the measure could have far-reaching consequences, increasing pressure not only on the Polisario Front but also on its regional backers, while potentially reshaping dynamics in the long-running Sahara dispute.
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