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Iran Labels European Armies as Terrorist Groups in Retaliation for IRGC Blacklist

Iran's parliamentary speaker has declared that Tehran now considers the armies of European countries to be terrorist organizations. This is a direct, reciprocal response to the European Union's recent decision to blacklist Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The speaker defended the IRGC as a premier anti-terrorism institution and warned the EU it bears responsibility for the consequences of its action. The escalation occurs amid heightened regional tensions and follows similar IRGC designations by the US, Canada, and Australia.

Key Points: Iran Brands European Armies Terrorist Groups After EU IRGC Move

  • Reciprocal response to EU designation
  • IRGC framed as anti-terror force
  • Cites General Soleimani's martyrdom
  • Warns of consequences for Europe
  • Accuses EU of following US, Israel
3 min read

Iran brands European armies 'terrorist groups' after EU blacklists IRGC: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf

Iran's parliament speaker declares European armies terrorist groups in a reciprocal response to the EU blacklisting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"The armies of European countries are considered terrorist groups, and the EU bears responsibility for the consequences. - Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf"

Tehran, February 2

Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced that Tehran now considers the armies of European countries as terrorist groups, calling it a reciprocal response to the European Union's decision to blacklist the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that Qalibaf made the remarks during an open session of Parliament, days after EU foreign ministers classified the IRGC as a "terrorist" entity, a move Iran's Foreign Ministry denounced as "unlawful, unjustified, and duplicitous".

Defending the force, Qalibaf said, "The IRGC is the world's most unique anti-terrorism institution, which, with the help of the people of the region, brought down the Daesh rule and eliminated the global threat of this terrorist group."

Highlighting sacrifices in counterterrorism operations, he added, "In its path of fighting international terrorism, the IRGC has offered hundreds of martyrs, including one of its greatest and most experienced commanders, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani."

According to Press TV, Qalibaf also warned of consequences for Europe, declaring, "The enmities of the world's terror supporters will not diminish the IRGC's power. I announce that under Article 7 of the law on reciprocal action against the [US's] declaration of the IRGC as a terrorist organization, the armies of European countries are considered terrorist groups, and the EU bears responsibility for the consequences of this action."

The IRGC had earlier been designated by the United States in 2019 during President Donald Trump's first term, followed by Canada in 2024 and Australia in 2025, before the European Union joined the list on Thursday, citing Iran's response to recent foreign-linked riots, Press TV said.

The designation comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Washington escalating threats against Tehran while reinforcing its military presence in the region.

Qalibaf also criticised what he described as the EU's "irresponsible" move to level baseless accusations at the IRGC. He added that the 27-member bloc's decision, taken "in compliance with the orders of the US president and the leaders of the Zionist regime," had accelerated Europe's path toward irrelevance in the future world order, as reported by Press TV.

The top legislator further argued that the move had strengthened public support inside Iran for the IRGC, pointing to its role in safeguarding national security and assisting civilians during floods, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside construction activities and efforts to alleviate deprivation across the country.

Warning of broader repercussions, Qalibaf said, "By trying to deal a blow to the IRGC, which was the greatest obstacle to the spread of terrorism to Europe, the Europeans actually shot themselves in the foot and once again made decisions against their people's interests through blindly obeying the Americans."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
From an Indian perspective, we've seen how complex the Middle East is. The IRGC's role is controversial globally, but Iran's point about them fighting ISIS has some truth. However, this reciprocal naming and shaming helps no one. Europe and Iran need to talk, not just trade labels. 🤝
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Aman W
The West's double standards are showing again. They designate forces of sovereign nations while their own armies have questionable records in Iraq, Afghanistan. Iran's response is strong, but understandable. You can't expect a country to just accept being called terrorists.
S
Sarah B
Living in India, I worry how this affects global stability. Higher tensions in the Gulf impact oil prices and our economy. Both sides need to step back. This kind of rhetoric makes diplomatic solutions harder to find.
V
Vikram M
Qalibaf's speech is clearly for domestic consumption, to rally support. It's political posturing. The real test is whether this changes anything on the ground. Europe is unlikely to be intimidated by words. Hope cooler heads prevail soon.
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Karthik V
As an Indian, I respect every nation's right to defend its institutions. But this cycle of retaliation helps no ordinary citizen, whether in Iran or Europe. The common people always suffer from these political games. Time for dialogue, not declarations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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