Iran labels Royal Canadian Navy as terrorist group in response to Ottawa
Iran has officially designated the Royal Canadian Navy as a terrorist organisation. The move comes after Canada blacklisted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, escalating tensions between the two countries. The Iranian foreign ministry described its decision as reciprocal, though it did not specify any direct consequences for the Canadian force. This development adds to the ongoing diplomatic rift between the nations.
What we know
- The Iranian foreign ministry announced the designation of the Royal Canadian Navy as a terrorist organisation, citing reciprocity.
- Canada declared the IRGC a terror group on June 19, 2024, barring its members from entering the country and allowing asset seizures.
- Ottawa’s decision was partly influenced by the downing of Flight PS752 in January 2020, which killed 176 people, including 85 Canadians.
- The IRGC admitted responsibility for shooting down the jet, claiming it was mistaken for a hostile target.
- Diplomatic ties between Canada and Iran were severed in 2012, and other countries like the United States and Australia have also designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
