TEHRAN — Iran’s Army on Wednesday condemned the British parliament’s move to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) a national security threat, calling the decision a product of Britain’s “malice, hypocrisy, and double standards” in confronting terrorism.
In a statement, the Army’s Public Relations Office said Britain has “a long and dark history” of “creating divisions, fostering sectarianism, and supporting terrorism” in West Asia.
“The recent action by the UK Parliament in labeling the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) despite it being one of the world’s largest anti-terrorism forces, stems from the ‘malice, hypocrisy, and double standards’ of British officials in confronting the scourge of terrorism around the world,” the statement said.
The Army said the IRGC has consistently been “at the forefront of the fight against terrorism,” describing its record in combating militant groups in West Asia and safeguarding Iran’s national and regional security as evidence of its role in counterterrorism.
“The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has consistently been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, and its historical record in combating terrorism in the West Asia region and safeguarding Iran’s national and regional security stand as clear evidence of the Guards’ and their personnel’s tireless and selfless efforts,” it said.
The statement also described the IRGC as “not only a military force but also a social and cultural force,” saying it had provided services to the Iranian people and neighboring countries while supporting “Muslims and the oppressed.”
The Army touched on the dark history of Israel, the United States and European governments backing terrorist groups to advance their objectives.
“Such reckless actions by the UK Parliament come at a time when Britain — the old colonial power — has a long and dark history of creating divisions, fostering sectarianism, and supporting terrorism in the West Asia region,” it said.
“Alongside European governments and the United States, the Zionist regime is regarded not only as one of the world’s largest supporters of terrorism but it has also advanced its sinister objectives by backing terrorist groups in the region.”
Reaffirming solidarity between Iran’s regular Army and the IRGC, the statement said the two forces remain united under the command of the country’s commander-in-chief in confronting what it called threats and aggression against Iran.
“While condemning the UK Parliament’s recent action against the devoted personnel of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, the Public Relations Office of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the solidarity of the Army and the IRGC, under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in confronting the threats, dangers, and aggression of the sworn enemies of the Iranian nation and the sacred establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said.
The statement followed an announcement by British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that the IRGC would be designated a national security threat under powers in the National Security (State Threats) Act, making support for the force a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday also condemned the British move, describing it as an “unjustified and irresponsible” measure that it said violated international law.