Canada has listed Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organization”. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc made the announcement on Wednesday.
He described his government’s move as a significant tool in the fight against terrorism around the world.
The listing of the IRGC as a “terrorist organization” means that thousands of senior Iranian government officials will not be able to enter Canada. IRGC officials are also among them.
Ottawa took this step in the face of demands from Canadian lawmakers as well as the Iranian diaspora for several years.
Ottawa is sending a strong message with the move, Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominick told reporters. The message is that Canada will use all means at its disposal to combat the terrorist activities of the IRGC.
Dominique alleged that the Iranian regime continues to show contempt for human rights at home and abroad. He said, at the same time, the country wants to destabilize the order based on international law.
The listing of the IRGC as a terrorist organization could expose many former and current Iranian government officials based in Canada to investigation. They may even be deported from Canada.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has warned that Canadian citizens in Iran may be at risk because of Ottawa’s decision. He fears that Canadian citizens may be arbitrarily detained in Iran.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously refused to list the IRGC as a ‘terrorist organisation’. At the time, he said, the move could expose many Iranians living in Canada to unfair treatment who have been forced to leave the country while opposing Iran’s current regime, but who have served in the IRGC in the past.
The IRGC is considered an elite force in Iran. This force has great influence in the country’s military, political and economic spheres.
The force has close ties with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
IRGC has around two lakh active members. The IRGC has its own land, naval and air forces. They oversee Iran’s strategic weapons.
IRGC has influence not only in Iran, but throughout the Middle East. They support pro-Tehran armed groups, including the governments of various allies, with money, weapons, training and advice.
