Iran Labels EU Militaries as Terrorist Groups in Retaliatory Move

Iran has formally declared all European Union militaries to be “terrorist groups,” a retaliatory step announced by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf after the EU moved to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The decision, rooted in a 2019 Iranian law enabling reciprocal measures, underscores a deepening rift between Tehran and European governments amid ongoing regional instability.

A Symbolic but Politically Charged Response

Qalibaf, a former IRGC commander, delivered the announcement during a parliamentary session in which lawmakers wore IRGC uniforms as a show of solidarity. The speaker accused European governments of acting under American influence, arguing that the EU’s decision “shot themselves in the foot” by targeting a force he described as central to regional security.

While the designation is expected to be largely symbolic—mirroring Iran’s previous reciprocal actions after the United States listed the IRGC as a terrorist group in 2019—it carries significant diplomatic weight. It signals Tehran’s readiness to escalate political pressure at a moment when Western powers are already alarmed by Iran’s internal repression and nuclear activities.

Backdrop: EU Condemnation of Iran’s Crackdown

The EU’s decision to blacklist the IRGC followed months of violent suppression of anti-government protests across Iran. Human rights groups estimate thousands of deaths, though official Iranian figures remain far lower. European foreign ministers argued that the IRGC’s role in the crackdown warranted a firm response, even as the designation’s practical impact remains limited due to existing sanctions.

Escalating Regional Tensions

The reciprocal designation comes amid heightened military tension in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled the possibility of military action against Iran, with U.S. naval forces—including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier—deployed near Iranian waters. Tehran, meanwhile, has scheduled live-fire military drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Iranian officials have simultaneously hinted at ongoing preparations for potential negotiations with Washington, though Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has long rejected direct talks. The mixed signals reflect a complex strategic environment in which Tehran seeks to project strength while avoiding a direct military confrontation.

Domestic Messaging and Political Theatre

Inside Iran’s parliament, the announcement was accompanied by chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” underscoring the political theatre surrounding the move. The IRGC, which wields significant military, political, and economic influence, remains central to Iran’s identity as a revolutionary state and a key instrument of its regional strategy.

Implications for EU–Iran Relations

Although the Iranian designation carries no immediate operational consequences for European militaries, it further complicates diplomatic channels at a time when Western governments are seeking to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, human rights abuses, and regional activities. The tit-for-tat escalation risks hardening positions on both sides, reducing the likelihood of constructive engagement in the near term.