Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 11, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a mechanism to sanction the Polisario Front if it is found to be collaborating with Iranian-backed terrorist groups.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of State to annually report on any cooperation between the Polisario Front and Iranian-affiliated terrorist organizations. If such cooperation is found, the President is required to impose sanctions on the Polisario Front, designating it as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The cooperation includes armed support, weapons systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense systems, and military intelligence.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a critical step to counter the growing influence of Iran and its proxies in North Africa and the Sahel region. They contend that any cooperation between the Polisario Front and Iranian-affiliated terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah, poses a direct threat to regional stability and U.S. national security interests, necessitating a clear and decisive response through sanctions.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill could prematurely escalate tensions in the Western Sahara conflict, potentially undermining diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution. They may also contend that the bill's broad definitions of 'cooperation' could lead to unintended consequences or be used to target the Polisario Front for political reasons rather than genuine terrorist ties, complicating humanitarian aid and peace processes.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the bill as the 'Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act of 2026.' This title is used for easy reference and identification of the legislation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear and descriptive short title helps in easily identifying and referring to the legislation, especially given its focus on a specific entity.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the short title of a bill, as it is a standard legislative practice.
Tradeoffs
None.
Section 2
Key Definitions
This section defines critical terms used throughout the Act, including 'Iranian-affiliated terrorist organization,' 'Iranian entity,' 'Polisario Front,' and 'relevant congressional committees.' These definitions establish the scope and targets of the bill's provisions, linking them to existing U.S. counter-terrorism designations and specific entities.
Section 3
Annual Report on Polisario Front-Iranian Cooperation
This section mandates the Secretary of State to submit an annual unclassified report to Congress. The report must determine whether the Polisario Front has provided or received specific types of support (armed support, weapons, UAVs, air defense systems, military intelligence) from any Iranian-affiliated terrorist organization, directly or indirectly, over a specified period. The first report covers the preceding 10 years.
Section 4
Imposition of Sanctions on Polisario Front
This section requires the President to impose sanctions on the Polisario Front within 30 days of a positive determination in the annual report (i.e., if cooperation with an Iranian-affiliated terrorist organization is found). The sanctions include designating the Polisario Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under the Immigration and Nationality Act and imposing sanctions applicable to a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224.