In a landmark decision, Canada has officially listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, following years of advocacy from opposition legislators and members of the Iranian diaspora. This announcement was made by Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who described the decision as a “significant tool in fighting global terrorism.”
A Major Step Against Terrorism
The designation means thousands of senior Iranian government officials, including top IRGC officials, will be barred from entering Canada. This move aims to reinforce Canada’s commitment to combating terrorism and promoting global security.
Understanding the IRGC
The IRGC is a major military, political, and economic force in Iran, closely linked to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. With over 190,000 active personnel, the IRGC operates its own ground forces, navy, and air force, overseeing Iran’s strategic weapons. The IRGC extends its influence across the Middle East through the Quds (Jerusalem) Force, which provides support to allied governments and armed groups.
Expanding Terrorist Designation
Previously, Canada had designated the Quds Force as a terrorist entity. Wednesday’s announcement extends this designation to the entire IRGC, underscoring Canada’s firm stance against the Iranian regime’s activities.
Statements from Canadian Officials
Minister LeBlanc emphasized that this action “sends a strong message that Canada will use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC.” He highlighted the Iranian regime’s consistent disregard for human rights and its destabilizing actions on the global stage.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly cautioned Canadians in Iran about the heightened risk of arbitrary detention, advising them to return home immediately. “For those who are in Iran right now, it’s time to come back home,” she said. “And for those who are planning to go to Iran, don’t go.”
International Reactions
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani condemned Canada’s move as “an unwise and unconventional politically-motivated step,” asserting that it would not impact the Revolutionary Guards’ power.
Historical Context
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government had previously hesitated to extend the terrorism designation to the IRGC, citing concerns that it could unfairly target Iranians in Canada who opposed the regime but had served in the IRGC. However, the downing of Flight PS752 by the IRGC in January 2020, which killed all 175 passengers including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents, intensified the pressure to act.
Moving Forward
Minister LeBlanc explained that the decision to designate a group as a terrorist entity involves a careful deliberative process based on the advice of security services and foreign policy considerations. “It is a threshold that must be met under the criminal code of Canada,” he said.
This decision makes Canada the second country in North America to label the IRGC as a terrorist organization, following the United States’ designation in 2019. The United Kingdom has indicated its intent to take similar action, though it has yet to do so.