WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is planning to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard a ``foreign terrorist organization'' in an unprecedented step to ramp up pressure on Tehran.

U.S. officials say an announcement could come as early as Monday and the move could have widespread implications for U.S. personnel and policy in the Middle East and elsewhere.

The Trump administration has escalated rhetoric against Iran for months, but this will mark the first such designation by any American administration of an entire foreign government entity.

Two U.S. officials and a congressional aide confirmed the planned move and spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The designation comes with sanctions, including freezes on some assets and a ban on Americans doing business with the group.