IRGC Declared 'Terrorist'; Canada's Interests in Tehran Summoned by Iran's Foreign Ministry

In response to the Canadian federal government's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, the Italian ambassador in Tehran, who is responsible for protecting Canadian interests, was summoned by the Iranian Foreign Ministry's director general. On Thursday, June 21, the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed strong objection to Canada's labeling of the IRGC, declaring the action 'illegal and contrary to international law.' The director general for American affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry warned Ottawa of the consequences of this action and emphasized Iran's right to take necessary measures and reciprocal actions. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in a tweet on Wednesday that the IRGC is now on Canada's list of terrorist groups. The Canadian government requested that Canadians residing in Iran leave the country. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, alongside the foreign and justice ministers, accused the Iranian regime of 'supporting terrorism' and 'continuously disregarding human rights both inside and outside Iran, as well as attempting to destabilize the international order based on laws.' Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Nasser Kanani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, condemned Canada's decision, stating: 'This disgusting action has no effect on the legitimate and deterrent power and the increase of the IRGC's authority.' This official emphasized that 'we reserve our rights for a proportional and reciprocal response.' Kanani described Canada's decision as 'a hostile act and contrary to accepted principles of international law, including the equality of sovereign states and non-interference in the internal affairs of governments, and an infringement on Iran's national sovereignty,' strongly condemning it. He also claimed that the IRGC is 'a governing institution emerging from the Iranian nation.' This claim comes despite the fact that Iranian citizens have had no say in the establishment or continuation of the IRGC's armed activities, and protesting citizens have repeatedly chanted slogans such as 'Basiji, Sepahi, you are ISIS.' Canada had previously designated the Quds Force, the IRGC's overseas branch, as a terrorist organization. Additionally, Ottawa has cut diplomatic relations with Tehran since 2012. CBC News reported on Wednesday that when a group is placed on the terrorist list, Canadian police can charge anyone who provides financial or material support to the group, and banks can freeze their assets. This action prohibits IRGC members from entering Canada and prevents Canadians from engaging in any transactions with them, and any assets that the IRGC or its members hold in Canada may also be seized. Last month, Canadian parliamentarians unanimously voted for this action.