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Canada has officially classified Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist" organization and urged Canadian citizens currently in Iran to depart. The Canadian government announced this measure on Wednesday, stating it is aimed at bolstering efforts to combat terrorist financing.
According to the Canadian government's statement, the decision to list the IRGC under the Criminal Code listing regime sends a strong signal that Canada is committed to using all available tools to address the IRGC's terrorist activities. These activities are alleged to include independent actions and collaboration with recognized terrorist entities such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
Iran responded on Thursday, condemning Canada's move as politically motivated and unwise, as reported by Fars news agency. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated that Canada's action would not diminish the IRGC's legitimate deterrent power, and Tehran reserved the right to respond to this listing accordingly.
The decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization has been a longstanding demand from the opposition Conservatives in Canada, directed at Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc cited Iran's consistent disregard for human rights as a key factor behind Canada's decision.
Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also cautioned Canadians against traveling to Iran due to heightened risks of arbitrary detention. She emphasized the importance of Canadian citizens currently in Iran returning home and advised against any future travel to the country.
This listing mandates Canadian financial institutions to freeze any assets associated with the IRGC and prohibits Canadian citizens from engaging in financial transactions with the group. The United States had previously designated the IRGC as a "terrorist" group in 2019.
The IRGC, which operates under the direct authority of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, serves as an official branch of the Iranian military. Relations between Iran and Canada have been strained for decades, with Ottawa severing diplomatic ties in 2012 citing concerns over Iran's nuclear program and support for the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad.
Tensions escalated in 2020 following Iran's downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane carrying numerous Canadian citizens and residents. The incident occurred amid heightened US-Iran tensions following the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by a US drone strike in Baghdad.
Iran attributed the downing of the plane to human error in the operation of its air defense system. Last year, an Iranian court issued initial sentences related to the incident, including compensation for victims' families. However, Canada accused Iran of failing to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the matter in a case brought before the International Court of Justice.
The listing of the IRGC coincides with ongoing scrutiny of Canada's stance on human rights in light of its close relationship with Israel, which faces accusations of widespread abuses in Gaza.
