Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Feb 22: Iran has declared the naval and air forces of European Union (EU) member states as “terrorist organisations” in retaliation for the EU’s 2019 decision to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity.

In an official statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the EU’s move against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps violated the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Tehran said it invoked Article 7 of its reciprocal action law to justify the counter-designation.

The ministry warned that any country supporting or following the US or EU decision to label the IRGC as a terrorist organisation would face reciprocal measures from Iran.

Iran framed the decision as a response to what it termed an unjust classification of the IRGC alongside extremist groups such as Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

Established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC is a powerful military and economic institution within the country. It oversees Iran’s ballistic missile programme and plays a key role in its nuclear activities, while exerting significant influence over the armed forces and major sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, the United States, Israel and their allies continue to pressure Tehran to halt uranium enrichment, citing concerns over potential nuclear weapons development. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned Iran to reach an agreement with Washington on the nuclear deal within 10 to 15 days, stating that failure to do so would result in serious consequences.