U.S. Praises Canada for Designating IRGC as Terrorist; Supports Similar Actions by Other Countries

The United States government expressed gratitude to Canada for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and stated that it supports similar actions by other countries in this regard. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department wrote in a response to the Persian section of Voice of America on Thursday, June 31, that the 'terrorism and deadly plots' of the IRGC pose 'a threat to the entire world.' According to this spokesperson, 'the Biden administration is ready to support any country that intends to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization.' The spokesperson also reminded that the U.S. had previously placed the IRGC on its list of terrorist groups. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, announced on Wednesday, June 30, at a press conference that the Canadian government has decided to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization 'under criminal regulations.' Concurrently, the Canadian Foreign Minister emphasized in a post on X that Canada's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization increases the risk of arbitrary detention for Canadians in Iran and warned citizens of this country about traveling to Iran. Melanie Joly wrote, 'We strongly advise Canadians not to travel to Iran and urge those currently there to return immediately.' The designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization by the Canadian government has received positive reactions from political, civil, and human rights activists, as well as prominent figures opposing the Islamic Republic; many from Europe and Australia have called for similar actions. Gita Arian, a senior reporter for the Persian section of Voice of America, primarily focused on foreign policy news, began her journalism career in 1987 with work in radio and joined Voice of America in 2004. Mahzad Zarei: Families seeking justice are pleased with the IRGC's listing as a terrorist organization in Canada. Saeed Dehghan: Canada has classified the IRGC as a terrorist organization based on expert analysis. The timeline of the IRGC's listing as a terrorist organization in Canada from the perspective of the Voice of America reporter. Hamed Ismailion: The IRGC has received a name in Canada that it deserves; a fearsome terrorist organization. The 'United Against a Nuclear Iran' organization welcomed the Canadian government's action; all radical activities related to the IRGC will be prohibited. The Minister of Public Safety of Canada: With the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization, some officials of the Islamic Republic residing in Canada may be expelled.