Canada has announced the designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, aligning with the 2019 decision by the Trump administration in the United States. This move by Ottawa is directly linked to Iran’s associations with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, both of which have been involved in conflicts with Israeli forces since October.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs, emphasized that this designation is part of Canada’s broader strategy to hold Iran accountable for its unlawful actions and its support of terrorism. LeBlanc stated, “Our government will always promote human rights and take action against those seeking to disrupt our way of life, here in Canada and around the world.”
In response, Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, described Canada’s decision as “ill-considered and provocative,” asserting that Tehran reserves the right to respond proportionately. Kanaani highlighted that the IRGC is a legitimate institution integral to Iran’s national security, as established by the Iranian constitution.
Canada had already listed the IRGC’s overseas arm, the Quds Force, as a terrorist organization, and it has not maintained diplomatic relations with Iran since 2012. The comprehensive sanctioning of the IRGC now comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The United States recently indicated its support for Israel in a potential military action against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group.
The IRGC, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, is an official part of Iran’s military framework. LeBlanc noted that this new designation might enable Canada to investigate any former Iranian government officials residing in the country. Under Canadian law, the designation of a terrorist entity empowers law enforcement to pursue anyone who supports the group.
This move could also impact Iranians seeking refuge in Canada, particularly those who have completed mandatory military service in the IRGC. Several European nations, including Germany, are also advocating for the European Union to label the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Relations between Iran and Canada have been strained for over a decade. In 2020, tensions escalated when Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane carrying numerous Canadian citizens and residents. Iran attributed the incident to human error amid heightened tensions following the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. While Iran conducted an investigation and issued sentences for those involved, Canada has criticized the process, claiming it lacked impartiality and transparency, and has brought the case to the International Court of Justice.
This recent designation by Canada is a significant step in its ongoing efforts to address Iran’s support of militant groups and its broader implications for international security
