TEHRAN/BRUSSELS — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has condemned the European Union decision to add the force to the bloc’s terrorist list, as Tehran moved to retaliate by designating EU member states’ armed forces as “terrorist groups,” Iranian officials and state-linked media reported.
The announcement was made by Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Guard commander, who said Tehran would apply a retaliatory provision in Iranian law to treat EU armies as terrorists and warned that Europe would “face the consequences” of its move. Iranian lawmakers also staged a show of support for the Guard during the parliamentary session, according to Reuters.
Analysts quoted in international reporting described Iran’s step as largely symbolic, pointing out that Tehran has used a 2019 legal framework—expanded after the United States designated the IRGC a foreign terrorist organization—to issue reciprocal “terror” labels against foreign militaries.
The EU’s designation followed a sweeping and violent crackdown on nationwide protests that erupted in late 2025, with casualty figures sharply contested. Iran’s government has published an official toll in the low thousands, while activists and some media reports argue the number could be far higher; independent verification has been difficult amid communications restrictions and an internet blackout.
The diplomatic escalation comes amid heightened regional tensions as Donald Trump has warned of possible military action if Tehran does not meet demands related to its conduct and nuclear file, while Tehran has issued warnings of wider conflict if attacked, including from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports also circulated about potential Iranian military activity around the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil-shipping corridor—but Reuters reported Iran denied claims of planned live-fire naval exercises there.
