The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation”, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Europe, Iran, and the United States. The decision was announced following a meeting of European foreign ministers, according to EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas.
The move comes amid already heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran warning of a strong military response to any potential attack by the United States. Iran’s foreign minister stated that the country’s armed forces are ready to respond “immediately and powerfully” if threatened.
Shortly after the EU announcement, Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces issued a sharp response, condemning the designation as “illogical, irresponsible and spiteful.” In a statement, the Iranian military accused Europe of acting in “unconditional obedience” to what it described as the hegemonic policies of the United States and Israel.
Reporting from Tehran, officials indicated that while Iran has faced sanctions and pressure from Western nations in the past, the latest EU decision comes at a “very high-stakes” moment. Both the Iranian army and the IRGC have previously warned about the risks of confrontation, especially in light of increased US military presence in the region.
The EU’s decision is expected to further strain diplomatic engagement with Iran and could have wider implications for regional stability.
The IRGC, established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, operates alongside Iran’s regular military but answers directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It plays a central role in Iran’s defence strategy, oversees key missile and nuclear programmes, and supports allied groups across the Middle East. The United States designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019, marking the first time Washington applied such a label to a branch of another country’s armed forces.
Developments are continuing, with further responses expected from both Tehran and European capitals as the situation unfolds.
