Iran Calls EU’s Terrorist Designation of IRGC ‘Unfriendly and Provocative’

Tehran: Iran has reacted sharply to the European Union’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, describing the move as unfriendly, provocative, and lacking any legal basis. The decision comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Western capitals, particularly over conflicts in the Middle East.

Iranian officials accused the EU of escalating regional instability rather than pursuing dialogue, warning that the designation could have serious political, economic, and security consequences.

Earlier in the day, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas confirmed that the bloc would move forward with the designation following a decision by EU foreign ministers.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the move, accusing Europe of abandoning diplomacy in favour of confrontation.

“A number of countries are working to prevent a full-scale war from erupting in our region,” Araghchi wrote on social media. “They are all not European. Europe, instead, is busy fanning the flames.”

Araghchi also accused the EU of applying what he described as “blatant double standards,” pointing to Europe’s response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

“Europe has taken zero action in response to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, yet acts swiftly against Iran under the pretext of Human Rights,” he said.

In further remarks, Araghchi dismissed the designation as a political maneuver rather than a serious policy decision.

“This PR stunt mainly seeks to hide the fact that Europe has become an actor in severe decline,” he said, warning that the EU itself would suffer from rising regional instability, including increased energy prices. “Europeans deserve better than what their governments are offering them.”

Iranian Military Condemns EU Move Against IRGC

Iran’s military establishment also responded forcefully. In a statement carried by Mehr News Agency, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran denounced the EU’s decision to blacklist the IRGC.

The statement described the move as “irrational, irresponsible, and detestable,” accusing European governments of acting in “unquestioning obedience to the hegemonic and inhumane policies of the United States and the Zionist regime.”

According to the Iranian military, the designation reflects “deep-rooted hostility” toward Iran, its armed forces, and its national sovereignty. The statement further argued that the EU’s action violates international law, the United Nations Charter, and established norms governing respect for state sovereignty.

The military also claimed that pressure from what it termed the “terrorist and child-killing Zionist regime” and a “delusional and senseless” US president had directly influenced the EU’s decision.

EU Defends Designation, Seeks Unanimous Approval

The European Union has justified the move by citing the IRGC’s actions within Iran, particularly its alleged role in the violent suppression of protests.

Defending the decision, Kaja Kallas said the IRGC had been responsible for the deaths of 6,373 people during demonstrations.

“If you act like a terrorist, you should be treated like a terrorist,” Kallas said, underscoring the EU’s position.

For the designation to take legal effect, it must receive unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. While the proposal had previously faced resistance, shifting political dynamics within the bloc appear to have altered the outcome.

France, which had earlier warned that such a move could endanger its citizens in Iran and shut down diplomatic channels, has now reversed its stance. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that “the intolerable repression of peaceful protests in Iran requires a response,” adding that “there can be no forgiveness for crimes.” The French president’s office has also confirmed its backing.

Germany, Spain, Italy, and several other EU member states had already expressed support for the designation.

The IRGC is Iran’s most powerful military institution. Established in 1979 following the Islamic Revolution, it was created to safeguard the new political system and operates independently of Iran’s conventional armed forces.

Reporting directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader, the IRGC has played a central role in domestic security operations, including the suppression of anti-government protests.

The organisation has already been designated as a terrorist group by the United States, Canada, and Australia. The EU’s move marks a significant escalation in its stance toward Tehran and is expected to further strain relations between Iran and Europe.