Iran labels EU forces 'terrorist' over revolutionary guard listing

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World

Iran designates EU armed forces as terrorist organizations in retaliation for EU listing of Revolutionary Guard.
Step escalates tensions amid ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and Western sanctions.

Iran announced that the naval, air, and ground forces of all European Union member states are now considered "terrorist organizations," citing a principle of reciprocal measures. The move follows the EU’s decision on February 19, 2026, to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the EU action as "illegal and unjustified" and said its response is based on Article 7 of the 2019 Countermeasure Law, which allows Tehran to apply equivalent measures against states imposing such designations.

"In line with the principle of reciprocity, the armed forces of EU member states are now included under the provisions of terrorist organization classification," the ministry stated.

Reciprocal Action

The EU formally added the Revolutionary Guard to its terrorism list last Thursday, citing human rights violations. The measure followed a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers on January 29, 2026, and triggers restrictive sanctions under the EU’s counter-terrorism framework.

These sanctions freeze the Guard’s assets and financial resources within EU member states and ban the transfer of funds or economic support to the organization. Currently, the EU’s terrorism list includes 13 individuals and 23 entities.

Domestic Backdrop

Iranian protests erupted in late December over a sharp devaluation of the local currency and worsening economic conditions. Western countries accused Iranian authorities of violently suppressing demonstrations. Tehran denounced the EU’s move as a politically motivated error that could strain European relations.

Regional Implications

The designation intensifies friction between Iran, the United States, and 'Israel', particularly regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. Washington and 'Israel' accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, claims Iran denies, insisting its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.

The new escalation signals a potential widening of diplomatic and security tensions between Iran and European states, adding to the already complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.