Iran Labels EU Armed Forces as Terrorist in Retaliation for IRGC Blacklisting
Tehran announces reciprocal action after EU governments label the IRGC a terrorist entity, citing violations of international law and the UN Charter.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Iran has officially designated the naval and air forces of all European Union member states as terrorist organizations, in a reciprocal response to what it described as the illegal and unjustified decision by EU governments to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Tehran said the move was taken under the principle of reciprocity following the EU decision adopted on 19 February 2026.
The Foreign Ministry stated that European governments acted in clear violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and established norms of international law by designating the IRGC—an official pillar of Iran’s armed forces—as a terrorist organization.
According to the statement, Iran’s response is grounded in domestic legislation and international legal principles, rejecting what it called the politicization of terrorism designations by Western states.
Legal Basis for Reciprocal Measures
Tehran cited Article 7 of Iran’s 2019 law on “Reciprocal Action Against the U.S. Designation of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization,” stating that all countries that follow or support U.S. policy on this issue are subject to reciprocal measures by Iran.
Under the provisions of the law, including Article 4, Iran formally designated the naval and air forces of all EU member states as terrorist organizations.
Response to Western Alignment With U.S. Policy
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the EU decision reflects alignment with U.S. policy, despite Washington’s long-standing use of terrorism labels as a political instrument against independent states and resistance forces.
Iran stated that European governments bear responsibility for the consequences of adopting such measures, warning that continued escalation undermines regional stability and international legal norms.
In closing, the Foreign Ministry stressed that Iran’s decision was taken within the framework of its domestic law and as a direct response to what it described as a blatant violation of international law by European governments.
Tehran reaffirmed that it will continue to defend the legitimacy of its armed forces and reject efforts by the United States and its allies to criminalize resistance and sovereign defense structures. (PW)