Iran designates EU armies as terrorist groups in retaliatory move

Iran Designates EU Armies as Terrorist Groups

In a retaliatory move, Iran has officially declared European armies to be terrorist groups following the European Union's decision to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The IRGC, established after the 1979 Iranian revolution, operates under the direct authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and holds significant influence in Iran's defense and foreign operations. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that this decision was made according to Article 7 of the Law on Countermeasures Against the Declaration of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organisation, highlighting the severity of the move. The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the bloc's designation of the IRGC, stating that repression cannot go unanswered and asserting that any regime killing its own people would work toward its own demise. Amid rising tensions with the US, Iran has signaled openness to talks to avoid military escalation, while also planning live-fire military drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil trade. This development comes after reports of significant deaths during nationwide protests in Iran, which began over economic grievances and evolved into a serious challenge to the government. Iranian authorities reported at least 3,117 fatalities, including many described as innocent protesters or security forces. The state imposed internet and mobile access restrictions during the height of the protests, further complicating the situation. The US has repeatedly threatened military strikes, and Trump has indicated that discussions with Iran are ongoing to avert conflict. Iran's retaliatory move underscores its stance against foreign interference and continues to escalate tensions in the region.