Saturday, March 29, 2025
Which Muslim Country Declared the Canadian Navy a Terrorist Organization? What Was the Reason Behind Such a Step?
Summary:
The Iranian government claims this step was taken in response to Canada blacklisting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 2024. Iran stated that Ottawa had labeled their military’s ideological wing as a terrorist group.
December 30, 2025, 5:06 PM IST | AFP, Tehran
Iran has declared the Canadian Navy a terrorist organization. The Shia Islamic country made this decision on Tuesday, stating that Canada had blacklisted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)—a branch of its military—in 2024. This move is a direct retaliation.
Iran argued that Ottawa’s designation of their military’s ideological wing as a terrorist group was entirely wrong and violated international laws and principles. “We have the right to respond to any action taken against us,” officials said. Exercising that right, Iran has now labeled the Royal Canadian Navy a terrorist organization.
Iran emphasized: “If anyone comes against us, we must take steps in response.”
Background on Canada’s 2024 Action
On June 19, 2024, Canada officially designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist entity. This imposed:
A ban on any IRGC members entering Canada.
Prohibitions on transactions between Canadian citizens or groups and the IRGC.
Orders to seize any Iranian military property in Canada.
Canada justified the decision by citing Iran’s human rights violations at domestic and international levels, as well as breaches of international law.
The PS752 Incident
Canada’s actions were partly triggered by the January 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which took off from Tehran. Iranian forces shot down the plane, killing all 176 people on board—including 85 Canadian citizens. Iran later admitted the mistake, with the Revolutionary Guards stating it occurred due to confusion and offering apologies.
Despite Iran’s acknowledgment, Canada imposed sanctions on the Iranian military.
Long-Standing Tensions
It’s worth noting that Canada severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2012, labeling the country a threat to global peace.
