Ottawa, Canada: In a significant move, the Canadian government has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. This decision, announced today, reflects Canada’s stance against Iran’s military and paramilitary force, which has been implicated in numerous acts of terrorism and human rights abuses.
The IRGC, established in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, has been accused of supporting and orchestrating terrorist activities across the Middle East and beyond. By designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity, Canada joins several other countries that have taken similar measures, including the United States.
The Canadian government cited the IRGC’s involvement in destabilizing activities and its support for terrorist groups as primary reasons for the designation. “This decision underscores our commitment to combatting terrorism and holding accountable those who perpetrate and support acts of violence and terror,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.
The designation will have far-reaching implications, including the freezing of IRGC assets in Canada and banning any transactions with the group. It also means that any individual associated with the IRGC will be prohibited from entering Canada.
Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have welcomed the move, viewing it as a step towards addressing Iran’s aggressive actions in the region. “This is a strong message from Canada that it will not tolerate terrorism or human rights violations,” said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran.
This decision is part of a broader Canadian strategy to increase pressure on Iran for its nuclear ambitions, human rights record, and regional interventions. It also comes amid growing tensions between Iran and Western nations over various geopolitical issues.
The IRGC’s designation as a terrorist entity is expected to strain Canada-Iran relations further, but Canadian officials remain firm on their stance, emphasizing the need to safeguard national and global security.