ALBAWABA- Canada dismissed Iran’s recent labeling of the Royal Canadian Navy as a “terrorist organization” as entirely baseless, amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the move was in “reciprocity” for Canada’s June 2024 decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity.
The Iranian announcement, referencing a 2019 law used to counter foreign sanctions or designations, did not outline practical consequences for Canadian forces.
A Global Affairs Canada spokesperson stated: “Canada strongly rejects this designation as having no basis in fact,” reaffirming Ottawa’s position on the IRGC, citing evidence of its involvement in terrorism, human rights violations, and regional destabilization.
Canada further said that its designation of the IRGC under the Criminal Code was based on a “rigorous, evidence-driven assessment,” which found credible grounds to conclude that the force has engaged in terrorist activities, either directly or through affiliated proxies.
Ottawa continues to follow a policy of “controlled engagement” with Tehran, restricting official interactions to issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, human rights, and consular matters, a government spokesperson explained.
So far, Canada has imposed sanctions on 215 Iranian individuals and 256 entities, citing threats to international peace and security, human rights abuses, and support for terrorist operations.
The exchange reflects longstanding strains in bilateral relations. Canada severed diplomatic ties in 2012 after concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.
Ottawa’s IRGC designation followed years of mounting pressure, particularly after the 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which killed 55 Canadians. The designation bars IRGC members from Canada and allows for asset freezes.
Iran condemned Canada’s move as a violation of international law, framing the IRGC as a legitimate military branch.
