Iran Calls Swedish Parliament's Designation of IRGC as Terrorist 'Unwise'

The spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization by the Swedish Parliament, claiming that this organization is 'rooted in the Iranian nation' and 'a guardian of peace in the region.' Nasser Kanani, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, May 10, described the IRGC's designation as 'unwise' and stated that the ministry condemns it 'in the strongest terms.' This government official did not refer to the IRGC's extraterritorial activities and its role in suppressing peaceful public protests, stating that this organization 'is responsible for safeguarding the national and border security of the country.' On Wednesday, members of the Swedish Parliament unanimously approved a proposal to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization by the European Union. According to this resolution, the Swedish government is obliged to work towards placing the IRGC on the EU's terrorist list. Marcus Vischl, a member of the Swedish Parliament and the proposer of this bill, tweeted after its approval: 'Now we will continue the fight to stop oppression in Iran and to grant the fundamental right of freedom to the people of Iran.' Alireza Akhoundi, an Iranian-born member of the Swedish Parliament, called this action by Sweden 'historic' and stated that the Swedish government is obliged to implement the parliament's request. He also dismissed the statements of Josep Borrell, who said that a court ruling from one of the EU member states is needed to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, calling it an 'excuse.' The inclusion of the IRGC in the EU's terrorist list has repeatedly been raised as one of the demands of Iranians opposed to the Islamic Republic. Recently, the Islamic Republic executed a Swedish-Iranian citizen named Habib Asiyoud.