Canada has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization after years of pressure from opposition legislators and some members of the Iranian diaspora.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the decision on Wednesday, describing it as a “significant tool in fighting global terrorism.” This designation will prevent thousands of senior Iranian government officials, including top IRGC officials, from entering Canada.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman condemned the decision, calling it an “unwise and unconventional” step.
Who are Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
The IRGC is a significant military, political, and economic force in Iran, closely tied to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It has over 190,000 active personnel, including its own ground forces, navy, and air force, overseeing Iran’s strategic weapons. The IRGC influences the Middle East by providing money, weapons, technology, training, and advice to allied governments and armed groups through its overseas operations arm, the Quds (Jerusalem) Force, which was already designated as a terrorist group by Canada.
Mr. LeBlanc stated that the action “sends a strong message that Canada will use all tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC,” citing the Iranian regime’s disregard for human rights and willingness to destabilize the international order.
Following this designation, current and former senior Iranian officials in Canada may now be investigated and removed. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly warned Canadians in Iran of potential arbitrary detention and urged them to return home or avoid travel to Iran.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani criticized Canada’s move, claiming it would not affect the IRGC’s power.
Previously, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government had resisted extending the terrorism designation to the IRGC, partly due to concerns that it would unfairly target Iranians in Canada who opposed the regime but had served in the IRGC. However, Mr. LeBlanc emphasized that the decision was based on a deliberative process involving security services and foreign policy considerations.
Canada’s designation makes it the second country in North America to label the IRGC as a terrorist organization, following the US in 2019. The UK has indicated its intent to make a similar move but has not yet done so.