Ecuador Rebuked for ‘Unlawful’ Labeling of IRGC under US-Israeli Pressure

In comments on Friday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and Director General for the Americas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zahra Ershadi said Ecuador’s decision, which appears to have been made under the influence and pressure of the genocidal and occupying Zionist regime and the US, violates international law and diplomatic norms.

She added that this move not only severely damages relations between Ecuador and Iran but also sets a dangerous precedent in international relations and incurs international responsibility for the Ecuadorian government.

Ershadi noted that the US’s cheap campaign to compel other countries to label Iran’s armed forces will have no effect on the determination of the IRGC to defend Iran’s sovereignty and protect its national security.

She described the IRGC as a proud organization and a sovereign institution born from the will of the Iranian people that derives its legitimacy from the constitution and the people's mandate.

Ershadi underscored that alongside other armed forces of Iran, the IRGC will carry out its duty to safeguard the independence, territorial integrity, and national security of the country with strength and dignity, the ministry’s website reported.

Her remarks came after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed an executive decree on September 16, designating Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC as terrorist organizations.

The decree alleged that the three groups pose a direct threat to the sovereignty, public safety, and integrity of Ecuador.

The decree was effected after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Ecuador to meet with Noboa on September 4. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has welcomed the decree, calling it a “brave decision”.