Iran Declares European Armies ‘Terrorist Groups’ After IRGC Designation

Iran has declared the armed forces of European countries “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the European Union’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

The declaration was announced on Sunday by Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, during a heated legislative session in Tehran.

In a symbolic show of defiance, Iranian lawmakers wore the green uniforms of the IRGC and chanted slogans including “Death to America”, “Death to Israel”, and “Shame on you, Europe”, according to footage aired by state television.

Ghalibaf condemned the decision by the European Union, describing it as an “irresponsible action” taken under external pressure. He said that under Article 7 of Iran’s Law on Countermeasures Against the Declaration of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organisation, the armies of European countries are now considered terrorist entities by Tehran.

It was not immediately clear what practical or diplomatic consequences the move would have, though analysts say it could further strain already fragile relations between Iran and Europe.

The countermeasure law was first enacted in 2019 after the United States designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Similar classifications were later adopted by Canada and Australia.

Sunday’s parliamentary session coincided with the 47th anniversary of the return from exile of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic following Iran’s 1979 revolution.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is regarded as the ideological backbone of Iran’s military establishment and is tasked with defending the Islamic system against internal and external threats.

Western governments have accused the Guards of leading a violent crackdown on recent nationwide protests, which reportedly left thousands dead. Tehran has rejected the allegations, insisting the unrest was driven by what it described as “terrorist acts” orchestrated by the United States and Israel.

The European Union agreed last Thursday to formally list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, citing its role in suppressing protests and alleged human rights violations.

Reacting to the decision, Ghalibaf said the move, which he claimed was carried out in line with directives from Washington and Israel, would only strengthen domestic support for the Guards and accelerate Europe’s decline in the emerging global order.