Canada Declares IRGC as Terrorist Group
By Nadine Yousif, BBC News, Toronto
Canada has officially listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. This landmark decision follows extensive pressure from opposition lawmakers and some members of the Iranian diaspora. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the designation on Wednesday, describing it as a “significant tool in fighting global terrorism.”
This action will prevent thousands of senior Iranian officials, including top IRGC leaders, from entering Canada. Iran’s foreign ministry, via Fars news agency, condemned the move as “unwise and unconventional.”
Understanding the IRGC
The IRGC is a powerful entity within Iran, deeply connected to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. With over 190,000 active personnel, it encompasses ground forces, a navy, and an air force. The IRGC also oversees Iran’s strategic weapons and has significant political and economic influence.
Through its Quds Force, the IRGC extends its influence across the Middle East, providing financial and military support to allied governments and armed groups. While the Quds Force was already listed as a terrorist group by Canada, this new designation now includes the entire IRGC.
Public Safety Minister LeBlanc emphasized that this move “sends a strong message that Canada will use all tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC.” He criticized the Iranian regime for its persistent human rights abuses and its efforts to destabilize the international order.
Implications for Iranian Officials
This new designation could lead to investigations and possible deportations of current and former senior Iranian officials residing in Canada. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly advised Canadians in Iran to return home and cautioned against traveling to Iran due to potential arbitrary detentions following this announcement.
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Iran’s response was swift and dismissive. Foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani labeled Canada’s action as a “politically-motivated step” that would not impact the IRGC’s “legitimate and deterrent power.”
Context of the Decision
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration had previously resisted extending the terrorism label to the IRGC despite advocacy from some diaspora groups, notably families of the victims of Flight PS752. The flight was downed by the IRGC in January 2020, killing all 175 passengers, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.
Trudeau had expressed concerns that a terrorism designation might unfairly target Iranians in Canada who opposed the regime but had previously served in the IRGC. Public Safety Minister LeBlanc explained that the designation process is thorough, based on security services’ advice and foreign policy considerations.
Canada joins the United States, which designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019, in this classification. The UK has indicated similar intentions but has yet to act.
This significant decision marks Canada’s commitment to addressing global terrorism and supporting international security efforts.
