Canada has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization following years of advocacy from opposition legislators and members of the Iranian diaspora.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc described this decision as a “significant tool in fighting global terrorism” during the announcement on Wednesday.
This designation will prohibit thousands of senior Iranian government officials, including top IRGC leaders, from entering Canada.
Iran’s foreign ministry, through spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, condemned the move as “unwise and unconventional.”
The IRGC, a powerful military, political, and economic entity in Iran closely linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, commands more than 190,000 active personnel and includes ground forces, navy, and air force units overseeing Iran’s strategic weapons.
The IRGC also exerts influence throughout the Middle East via the Quds (Jerusalem) Force, which provides support to allied governments and armed groups.
Although Canada had already listed the Quds Force as a terrorist organization, this new designation extends to the entire IRGC.
Minister LeBlanc emphasized that this action demonstrates Canada’s commitment to combating the IRGC, labeling it a “terrorist entity.”
He noted, “The Iranian regime has consistently shown disregard for human rights and a willingness to destabilize the international rules-based order.”
This decision may lead to investigations and potential removal of current and former senior Iranian officials already in Canada.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly warned Canadians in Iran to return home due to increased risks of arbitrary detention following the announcement, stating, “My message is clear: for those who are in Iran right now, it’s time to come back home.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration had previously resisted labeling the IRGC as a terrorist organization, fearing it would unfairly target Iranians in Canada who had been forced to serve in the IRGC.
However, Minister LeBlanc explained that the decision was made based on advice from security services and foreign policy considerations, and it aligns with the criminal code of Canada.
Canada now joins the US in designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The UK had also indicated its intent to make a similar move but has not yet done so.
Source-BBC
