Iran Labels Royal Canadian Navy as a Terrorist Organization
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently condemned the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), branding it a terrorist organization. This move seems to be a direct response to Canada’s classification of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group back in 2024.
In its announcement, the Iranian ministry stated that the RCN was accused of engaging in terrorist activities without legitimate justification, which they argued contradicted international law principles. While they declared the RCN a terrorist entity, specific repercussions for the navy were not detailed.
Back in June 2024, Canada’s government implemented a ban on any dealings with property tied to the IRGC, impacting both citizens and non-citizens. This freeze on IRGC-related assets aimed to deter terrorist financing and prosecute those tied to terrorism, according to Canadian officials.
The IRGC is known for its significant control over Iran’s economy and is said to operate independently from government oversight. Its involvement in funding various militant groups throughout the Middle East is widely acknowledged.
Moreover, the United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in April 2019, citing its direct involvement in terrorist activities that have resulted in American casualties, among other offenses.
The U.S. State Department noted the IRGC’s role in various terrorist plots and highlighted its responsibility for the deaths of numerous U.S. military personnel in Iraq over many years.
Canada, in its earlier statements, has recognized multiple terror organizations benefiting from the IRGC’s support, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Taliban.
The Quds Force, a segment of the IRGC, was labeled a terrorist organization in Canada back in December 2012, coinciding with the severance of diplomatic ties with Tehran.
In November 2022, Canada further designated Iran as involved in terrorism and serious human rights violations, leading to travel bans on many Iranian officials under immigration laws.
Interestingly, despite the U.S. designation, Canada had been initially reluctant to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Officials expressed concerns that such a move could complicate the lives of Iranians caught in difficult circumstances, such as forced military service.
The fear of backlash against Canadian personnel in the Middle East, stemming from these designations, also played a role in the hesitance to adopt a stringent stance against Iran. However, sentiments shifted after the IRGC shot down a Ukrainian airliner in January 2020, killing all 176 people aboard, including 85 Canadians.
Voices from the Canadian left, including former Ambassador Dennis Horak, have argued against escalating tensions with Iran, suggesting that labeling the IRGC a terrorist organization could hinder cooperation regarding investigations into the air disaster.
Horak suggested that before seeking accountability for the tragedy, it would be wise to pursue reparations from Iran through traditional legal avenues.
