Canada Lists Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps As Terrorist Entity, Know Role Of IRGC In Islamic Republic

Canada listed Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an elite military unit of Iran, as a  “terrorist entity” under Canada’s Criminal Code. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced the decision on Wednesday (local time), saying that Canada will use all of the tools at its disposal “to combat the terrorist activity” of the IRGC. In a statement, the Canadian government said, “Based on their actions, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the IRGC has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity, or has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with an entity that has knowingly carried out terrorist activity. Listing IRGC means that they are a terrorist group.” What Will Change After Listing IRGC As Terrorist Group?  The designation of IRGC will have immediate consequences. Canadian financial institutions must freeze the accounts and property of the IRGC and it is now a criminal offence for anyone in Canada or Canadians abroad to knowingly engage with property controlled by the group. Additionally, IRGC members in Canada will have to leave the country after being  interrogated by the government.  ALSO READ: Gaza War: UN Aid Supplies Are Turning Into Targets As Rising Tobacco Prices Fuel Cigarette Smuggling Why Canada Listed IRGC As Terrorist Organisation? This development follows extensive pressure on the federal government. According to CBC News, the IRGC was responsible for downing Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in 2020, killing 175 people, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. This tragedy significantly influenced the push for the IRGC’s designation as a terrorist entity. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melanie Joly, cautioned Canadians in Iran that there might be an increase in arbitrary detention following the announcement, urging them to return home and advising against travel to Iran. “For those who are in Iran right now, it’s time to come back home. And for those who are planning to go to Iran, don’t go,” Melaine Joly said. Members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) march during a parade to commemorate the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war in Tehran. (Image: Reuters)   The Conservative Party and the NDP have also consistently urged the Canadian government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reiterated this demand following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured victims’ families that the government was exploring ways to move forward with the designation. He acknowledged the need to hold the Iranian regime accountable and pledged continued efforts to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation responsibly. ALSO READ: US Lawmakers Meet Dalai Lama In Dharmshala: Why Is China Riled Over Meeting?  | Explained What Is Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)? Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is a multi-service elite branch of the Iranian Armed Force. The military unit was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the then Supreme Leader of Iran, formed the IRGC to promote and safeguard the principles of the Islamic Revolution. The IRGC also manages the foreign operations of the Iranian Army and it has carried out multiple military campaigns around West Asia.      Originating as an ideological militia, the IRGC has grown into a powerful entity influencing Iran’s politics, society, and economy. The IRGC’s constitutional mandate ensures the integrity of the Islamic Republic, with responsibilities including preventing foreign interference, thwarting military coups, and crushing “deviant movements.” The IRGC is designated as a terrorist organisation by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United States and now Canada. The IRGC, with about 1,25,000 personnel as of 2024, controls Iran’s primary naval force in the Persian Gulf and the Basij militia, which has around 90,000 active members. It operates “Sepah News” and oversees a branch for the security of nuclear centres. Since 2019, Hossein Salami has been the commander-in-chief of the IRGC. (With Agency Inputs)