Iran labels European armies as terrorist groups in response to EU move
Iran’s parliament has declared the armies of European countries as “terrorist groups” after the EU designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) similarly. Lawmakers showed solidarity by wearing the IRGC’s green uniform and chanting slogans against the US, Israel, and Europe. Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized the EU’s action, referencing an Iranian law that allows such countermeasures. The immediate impact of Iran’s decision remains unclear, but the move has heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations.
What we know
- Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that under Iranian law, European armies are now considered terrorist groups in response to the EU’s designation of the IRGC.
- Lawmakers wore the IRGC’s green uniform and chanted anti-Western slogans during the parliamentary session.
- The law enabling this response was first passed in 2019 after the US classified the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
- The EU, along with the US, Canada, and Australia, has listed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation due to its response to recent protests in Iran.
- Iranian officials and citizens have expressed concern over rising tensions, but both Iran and the US have indicated willingness to continue negotiations.
