Iran’s Move Seen As Retaliation For Canada’s Blacklisting Of IRGC
Fresh diplomatic tension has erupted between Canada and Iran after the Iranian government officially designated the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as a terrorist organisation, escalating already strained relations between both countries.
According to reports, Tehran announced the designation as a retaliatory response to Canada’s decision earlier this year to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group under Canadian law.
Iranian authorities said the move was taken under a 2019 Iranian law that permits reciprocal measures against foreign governments that classify the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Tehran has repeatedly condemned Canada’s action as “illegal” and “politically motivated,” insisting that the IRGC is an official arm of the Iranian state.
The Iranian government accused Canada of aligning with Western policies aimed at undermining Iran’s sovereignty and national security.
Canada’s IRGC Designation Sparks Fallout
In June 2024, Canada formally designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity, citing allegations of human rights abuses, regional destabilisation, and support for militant activities. The designation criminalised any dealings with the IRGC in Canada and allowed authorities to freeze assets linked to the group.
The move placed Canada among a growing list of Western nations taking a hard stance against Iran’s military and security apparatus.
Symbolic But Politically Significant
While Iran’s designation of the Royal Canadian Navy is largely viewed as symbolic, analysts say it represents a further breakdown in diplomatic relations between both countries, which have had no formal diplomatic ties since 2012.
The designation is unlikely to have immediate operational consequences for Canada but underscores the deepening rift between Iran and Western nations over security, human rights, and geopolitical influence.
Growing Diplomatic Strain
Observers warn that the escalating exchange of designations could complicate any future diplomatic engagement and further entrench hostilities at a time of heightened global tensions.
Neither Canada nor its allies have officially responded to the latest move as of the time of filing this report.
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