Iran declared the armies of European Union nations as “terrorist groups” in a reciprocal action following the EU’s recent decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, according to reports on Sunday. This move, enacted under Article 7 of Iran’s countermeasure law, signals a significant diplomatic and military hardening between Tehran and European capitals.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the European action represented a decision against their own populace’s interests, achieved through “blind obedience to the Americans.” The EU’s decision, announced by Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas last Thursday, targeted the IRGC due to its involvement in a deadly crackdown on domestic protests.
Human Rights Activists News Agency reported confirming 6,713 fatalities during the nationwide unrest that began over economic grievances but evolved into a challenge to the ruling structure. Iranian authorities provided differing figures, claiming at least 3,117 deaths, including both protesters and security forces.
The IRGC, established after the 1979 revolution, holds a critical position, answering directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and overseeing Iran’s foreign operations and regional influence. The designation effectively elevates the diplomatic confrontation to a direct security challenge between Iran and the bloc.
This reciprocal designation occurs amid heightened military tension in the Gulf, where US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action while increasing naval presence. However, reports indicated that US and Iranian officials were engaged in serious discussions aimed at averting military escalation, according to statements made on Saturday.
Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated Tehran’s defensive posture on Sunday, warning that any US attack would trigger a “comprehensive” response and escalate into a regional conflict. He emphasized that while Iran seeks no conflict, it would respond forcefully to any aggression or harassment.
Furthermore, Tehran scheduled live-fire military drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil, scheduled for Sunday and Monday. This exercise underscores Iran's commitment to controlling key global economic transit routes amid the diplomatic crisis.
