Canada Designates Iran's IRGC as Terrorist Entity

Canada has officially listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and urged Canadians to leave Iran.

"Our government has made the decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code," Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister, said at a press conference.

"The Iranian regime has consistently displayed a complete disregard for human rights, both inside and outside Iran, as well as a willingness to destabilise the international rules-based order," LeBlanc said.

"Listing the IRGC builds on the Government of Canada's broader efforts to ensure that there is no impunity for Iran's unlawful actions and its support of terrorism," he added.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly urged Canadians not to travel to Iran, citing a heightened risk of "arbitrary detention".

Iran on Thursday condemned Canada's move as an "unwise and unconventional politically motivated step," the Fars news agency reported.

"Canada's action will not have any effect on the Revolutionary Guards' legitimate and deterrent power," said Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, adding that Tehran reserves the right to respond accordingly to the listing.