New U.S. bill targets Polisario Front, proposing terror designation

A new legislative proposal has entered the discussion phase in the U.S. Congress, calling for the designation of the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. This marks the third such legislative initiative in recent times, indicating a concerted effort within Congress to address concerns surrounding the group.

The bill, introduced by Republican Representative Ronny Jackson and Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, has garnered support from eight additional members of Congress. This bipartisan backing, according to the initiative's proponents, aims to frame the project beyond partisan politics, linking it to national security and counter-terrorism considerations. The legislation directs the U.S. Secretary of State to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Polisario Front, particularly focusing on alleged links to Iran and Iran-backed armed groups.

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This bipartisan initiative reflects an effort to give the project a character that transcends partisan alignment, linking it to national security and counter-terrorism considerations.

These alleged connections reportedly involve military training, arms supply, and intelligence sharing. The bill also highlights concerns about the Polisario Front's potential role, alongside other Tehran-backed groups, in destabilizing the West African region. Representatives Jackson and Gottheimer present this legislation as a tool to enhance the U.S. administration's ability to evaluate threats associated with the Front and to implement measures protecting American interests and those of its allies.

The text specifically emphasizes the use of counter-terrorism tools to dismantle networks believed to support activities deemed a threat to U.S. national security, with a particular focus on the Polisario Front's foreign relations. This congressional push is not isolated; a similar bill, HR 4119, introduced in June 2025, has also gained traction in the House of Representatives. Furthermore, a parallel effort is underway in the Senate, with Republican Senator Ted Cruz introducing a similar bill in March 2026, underscoring a multi-pronged congressional approach to potentially label the Polisario Front at the federal level.

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The new legislation aims to direct the U.S. Secretary of State toward a comprehensive evaluation of the Polisario Front, particularly regarding what the initiative's proponents describe as existing links with Iran and armed groups supported by Tehran.