Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Iran designates EU armies ‘terrorist groups’

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Tehran: Iran’s parliament has declared the armed forces of European Union member countries to be “terrorist groups”, a retaliatory response following a decision by the EU to label Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

The announcement on Sunday came from Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who invoked a reciprocal counter-measures law to justify Tehran’s decision after the EU’s move against the IRGC late last week. Ghalibaf framed the designation as a direct consequence of the bloc’s action, which he characterised as aligned with U.S. interests.

The EU’s terrorist listing of the IRGC, a powerful branch of Iran’s security apparatus, was adopted by foreign ministers earlier in the week amid wider condemnation over the force’s involvement in a harsh crackdown on nationwide protests. That step marked a significant escalation by the European bloc in targeting Iran’s military-linked entities.

Iran’s unilateral move affects the militaries of all EU nations that supported the IRGC listing, although it is largely symbolic rather than having clear legal or operational implications beyond Tehran’s diplomatic posture. Analysts note it reflects rising tensions between Tehran and Western capitals over human rights, sanctions and security issues.

The decision has drawn swift criticism from European governments. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul labelled Iran’s response as “baseless and propagandistic,” reaffirming Berlin’s support for the EU’s original designation of the IRGC and stressing the bloc’s stance against repression and terrorism.

Iran’s parliament also signalled that further steps could follow, including considering whether to expel EU military attachés. Lawmakers staged symbolic demonstrations, wearing IRGC uniforms during parliamentary sessions in a show of support for the force.

The exchange marks a deepening diplomatic rift between Iran and the European Union, with both sides defending their actions as necessary responses to the other’s policies. Observers say the tit-for-tat designations underscore broader strains in relations over human rights, regional security and political leverage.