Support for a US bill seeking to designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization is gaining ground in Congress, with Republican Representative Tim Moore joining the initiative and bringing the number of co-sponsors in the House to 13.
The legislation, titled the “Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act,” was introduced in June 2025 by Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta. Moore’s addition on April 27 marks the latest step in what lawmakers describe as renewed momentum after a quieter period late last year.
Since February, several Republican lawmakers, including Don Bacon, Claudia Tenney, Elise Stefanik and Maria Elvira Salazar, have backed the bill, increasing its visibility within the House.
The proposed legislation cites what it describes as “ideological and operational” links between the Polisario Front and Iran dating back decades. It refers to reported Hezbollah training in 2018 in the Tindouf camps and claims that Polisario members received instruction on armed drone use. It also points to media reporting, including a Washington Post article in April 2025, alleging Iranian support in drone capabilities.
Under the bill, the US secretary of state would have 180 days to submit a detailed report to Congress on Polisario leadership, military activities and foreign support networks. It also mandates a formal assessment of alleged ties to Iran, Russia, Hezbollah, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the PKK.
Within 90 days of adoption, the State Department and Treasury would be required to determine whether the group meets the legal criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization, which could trigger financial sanctions.
A parallel effort is advancing in the Senate. In March 2026, Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton and Rick Scott introduced similar legislation that would require the secretary of state to initiate designation procedures if cooperation with Iran in areas such as weapons systems or intelligence is confirmed.
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