The IRGC's commander described the U.S. decision to designate the force as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) as "very laughable", adding that "in the next year, the IRGC will be more powerful than before in its defensive and offensive systems". In a statement the following day, the IRGC asserted that it would "not hesitate to guard and defend the Revolution and its lofty ideals and... if required, it will give unforgettable lessons to the enemies".