The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Italian ambassador to Tehran, who is responsible for the protection of Canadian interests in the Islamic Republic, following the "hostile act of the Canadian government describing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization."

The ministry stated: "The Italian ambassador was informed of our country's strong protest against the illegal action taken by the Canadian government against international law, and with a warning about the consequences of this action, Iran's right to take necessary countermeasures was emphasized," according to the Iranian news agency "Mehr," today, Friday.

The Italian ambassador stated that he would immediately inform the Canadian government of this message.

Canada classified the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a "terrorist organization" under the country's criminal law the day before yesterday, Wednesday.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly warned her citizens in Iran of an increased potential risk of arbitrary arrests following the classification announcement.