KYIV — During a diplomatic visit to Ukraine, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and called on Ukraine to take a decisive step by designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

The request reflects Israel’s growing concern over Iran’s expanding influence in global conflicts, particularly its role in supplying weapons and drones to Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Israel has long viewed the IRGC as a key driver of regional instability through its support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and now believes its reach is extending into Eastern Europe.

“The IRGC is not just a threat to Israel or the Middle East — it’s a global threat,” Saar reportedly told Zelensky during their meeting. “Designating it as a terrorist entity is a step toward international accountability.”

While Ukraine has condemned Iran for its military support to Russia, formally labeling the IRGC as a terrorist group would mark a significant escalation in diplomatic posture. Several Western nations, including the United States and Canada, have already made similar designations.

Saar’s visit underscores Israel’s diplomatic backing for Ukraine in its war with Russia, while also highlighting a shared interest in countering Iran’s military footprint beyond the Middle East.

The meeting is part of broader discussions between Israel and Ukraine on security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and mutual geopolitical challenges.