Iran Labels European Forces as Terrorist Entities in Retaliation
TEHRAN — The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement on Saturday, condemning the “illegal and unjustified” decision by European Union member states to label the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, and announced reciprocal measures against European military forces.
According to the statement, published on the ministry’s official channels, the Iranian government considers the EU’s February 19, 2026, designation of the IRGC a violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Tehran emphasized that the IRGC is a recognized and
legitimate branch of Iran’s armed forces, and asserted that the EU’s move constitutes a politically motivated mischaracterization.
In response, citing the principle of reciprocity and referencing Article 7 of Iran’s “Act on Reciprocal Measures Against the Designation of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization by the United States” enacted in 2019, Tehran declared that the navies and air forces of all EU member states will now be considered subject to the same legal framework.
The statement noted that the reciprocal measures, including the recognition of these forces as terrorist organizations under Iranian law, are intended to mirror the EU’s designation of the IRGC.
The announcement followed the EU Council’s formal decision on Thursday to place the IRGC on the EU terrorist list, a move agreed upon by EU foreign ministers on January 29.
Under the EU counterterrorism sanctions regime, the IRGC is now subject to restrictive measures including the freezing of its funds, assets, and other economic resources within member states. European operators are also prohibited from providing any financial or economic support to the organization.
The EU designation includes a total of 13 individuals and 23 groups and entities, all subject to the bloc’s restrictive measures.
Tehran’s statement emphasized that the Iranian government views the EU’s action as a politically motivated extension of U.S. policy, and warned that the reciprocal designation of European military entities reflects Iran’s determination to act in accordance with international law and its own legal framework when confronted with what it considers unlawful foreign measures.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry underscored that these measures are part of a formal and legally grounded policy of reciprocity, and reiterated that the IRGC remains an official and integral component of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces.
Tehran described the EU’s listing as a breach of diplomatic norms and international law, framing its response as both a legal obligation and a strategic assertion of national sovereignty.