Tehran — Iran has strongly condemned Ecuador’s recent decision to classify its armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as terrorist organizations, calling the move “unjustified” and influenced by external pressures. Zahra Ershadi, Assistant Minister and Director General for the Americas at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described Ecuador’s action as contrary to international law and a serious blow to Ecuador-Iran relations.
Ershadi emphasized that the labeling, aligned with the United States’ longstanding designation of the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization, undermines the sovereignty of Iran and sets a “dangerous precedent in intergovernmental relations.” She added that the IRGC’s legitimacy is enshrined in the Iranian constitution and reflects the will of the Iranian people, highlighting its central role in defending Iran’s national security and territorial integrity.
The official continued to say that “The glorious Iranian Revolutionary Guard is a sovereign institution that emerged from the ranks of the Iranian nation, which has based its legitimacy on the constitution and the will of the Iranian people, and alongside other armed forces, will fulfill the duty of safeguarding the country’s independence, territorial integrity, and national security with might and dignity.”
This diplomatic tension marks a notable shift in Ecuador’s foreign policy, historically more neutral in global conflicts. Analysts note that the move could impact Iran’s relations in Latin America, potentially complicating ongoing economic and diplomatic engagements. Some observers link Ecuador’s alignment with US and Israeli pressures as part of a broader campaign to isolate Iran on the international stage.
The Iranian foreign ministry stressed that such decisions would not weaken the IRGC’s commitment to defending the country. “The glorious Iranian Revolutionary Guard is a sovereign institution that emerged from the ranks of the Iranian nation, and alongside other armed forces, will safeguard the country’s independence, territorial integrity, and national security with might and dignity,” Ershadi asserted.
Experts suggest that Ecuador’s action may also influence regional dynamics in South America, where countries are increasingly navigating pressures from Western powers. The decision may affect Ecuador’s role in regional organizations and multilateral cooperation on issues ranging from security to energy.
Iran’s condemnation highlights a growing tension between nations resisting Western influence and those aligning with US-led policies. The labeling could hinder bilateral trade, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic cooperation between Iran and Ecuador. It also underscores the broader geopolitical contest over influence in Latin America and the Middle East, where Iran’s defense and diplomatic strategies continue to assert regional significance.
Observers emphasize that the move is largely symbolic but carries serious political implications, including potential economic sanctions, travel restrictions on officials, and obstacles to defense collaboration. Ecuador’s decision aligns with Washington’s strategy to pressure countries globally into isolating Iran, as part of its broader policy toward nations it considers adversaries in the Middle East.
Iranian officials have called for a reversal of Ecuador’s decision, warning that failure to do so could damage the country’s international credibility. Ershadi’s statement reflects a broader narrative in Iranian diplomacy, which frequently stresses sovereignty, resistance to foreign intervention, and the defense of national institutions.
This development comes amid heightened global attention to the IRGC’s role in Iran’s regional and domestic security. The IRGC has been a cornerstone of Iran’s defense strategy and has played a significant part in supporting allied movements across the Middle East. Analysts argue that labeling such an institution as terrorist not only mischaracterizes its constitutional role but also risks destabilizing diplomatic norms.
For Iran, Ecuador’s move is more than a bilateral dispute; it is a challenge to the legitimacy of its national defense apparatus on the international stage. Tehran has repeatedly warned that it will continue to protect its sovereignty and will not succumb to pressure campaigns led by the US and its allies. Iran’s statements also reinforce its position within the global community, emphasizing lawful sovereignty, regional influence, and the defense of allied interests.
As tensions unfold, the international community watches closely. Ecuador’s decision may prompt responses from other Latin American countries, either to align with US policy or to reaffirm independent diplomatic stances, as Mehr News noted, that the episode underscores the fragile balance between global diplomacy, national sovereignty, and the influence of external powers in shaping foreign policy decisions.
