Tehran Puts London on Notice Over IRGC Designation

Iran's Foreign Ministry calls Britain's move a breach of international law and says it reserves the right to respond in kind

Iran has condemned Britain’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a threat under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act, warning that it reserves the right to take reciprocal measures.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the move ran counter to the fundamental principles and rules of international law — among them the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The ministry stressed that the IRGC is an integral part of Iran’s official armed forces, charged alongside the Iranian Army with safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and security. It also pointed to the force’s contributions to regional peace and security, particularly its role in the fight against the ISIL terrorist group.

‘No moral standing’

Turning the charge back on London, the ministry criticised Britain’s long record of interference in the internal affairs of other states, saying it had no moral standing to level accusations at others. It pointed in particular to the UK’s conduct during the recent US-Israeli military aggression against Iran, describing Britain as an accomplice and an active participant in that campaign.

Tehran said it reserves its rights under the UN Charter and international law to respond in kind, adding that British authorities would bear responsibility for the political, legal, and diplomatic consequences of the decision.

The statement followed an announcement by British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that the IRGC would be designated a national security threat under new powers in the National Security (State Threats) Act — a step that makes support for the force a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

Reference: Tehran Times