Significant Decision
Canada has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced this decision on Wednesday, describing it as a “significant tool in fighting global terrorism”. This designation follows years of pressure from opposition legislators and members of the Iranian diaspora in Canada.
Implications for Iranian Officials
The move will bar thousands of senior Iranian government officials, including top IRGC leaders, from entering Canada. The IRGC, a major military, political, and economic force in Iran, has close ties to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Canada has already listed the Quds Force, an arm of the IRGC, as a terrorist entity, highlighting the IRGC’s extensive influence throughout the Middle East.
Broader Impact
Public Safety Minister LeBlanc stated that this action sends a strong message that Canada will use all tools at its disposal to combat terrorism. This designation allows for the investigation and potential removal of current and former senior Iranian officials already in Canada. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melanie Joly, advised Canadians in Iran to return home, warning of possible arbitrary detention.
Previous Stance and Shift
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government had previously resisted designating the IRGC as a terrorist group despite pressure from diaspora members, including families of those who died when the IRGC downed Flight PS752 in 2020. Trudeau expressed concerns that such a designation might unfairly target Iranians in Canada who opposed the regime but were compelled to serve in the IRGC.
Deliberative Process
Responding to questions on the timing of the decision, Minister LeBlanc explained that designating a group as a terrorist entity is a “deliberative process” based on advice from security services and foreign policy considerations. He emphasized that this action aligns with Canada’s commitment to uphold global security standards.
International Context
With this designation, Canada joins the United States, which listed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019. The United Kingdom has also indicated its intent to take similar action, although it has not yet done so.
Follow us on Socials: