Canada has officially classified Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, urging Canadian nationals in Iran to depart due to concerns over human rights abuses by Tehran.
On Wednesday, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, described the move as essential to the global fight against terrorism. This designation bars several Iranian officials, including top figures from the Revolutionary Guards, from entering Canada.
The IRGC, a significant force within Iran, is known for its deep military, political, and economic influence and maintains close ties with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The United States had previously designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019.
Minister LeBlanc cited Iran’s poor human rights record and its actions undermining the international rules-based order as primary reasons for the designation. He emphasized that Canada would use all available measures within its jurisdiction to counter the IRGC’s terrorist activities and its associations with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
During a press conference, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly advised Canadians against travel to Iran, highlighting the increased risk of unlawful detention. She stated, “Those who are currently in Iran should come home. Those planning to go should not proceed.”
This policy allows for the scrutiny and possible expulsion of current and former Iranian officials already in Canada. Relations between Iran and Canada have been strained for decades, deteriorating significantly in 2012 when Canada cut diplomatic ties over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for Syria’s Assad regime. Tensions intensified in 2020 following Iran’s downing of a passenger plane that resulted in the deaths of numerous Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
After years of continuous pressure and despite initial reluctance, the Canadian government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has ultimately decided to list the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
 as a terrorist organization, urging Canadians in Iran to leave due to human rights abuses){kind=link}