Iran condemns EU decision targeting IRGC, warns of damage to ties

Iran has strongly condemned the European Union’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation , calling it a politically motivated move that undermines international law and damages diplomatic relations.

Iranian officials said the designation reflects the EU’s alignment with Western pressure campaigns rather than an objective assessment of developments inside the country. The Foreign Ministry described the move as “hostile and unjustified,” stressing that the IRGC is an official branch of Iran’s armed forces tasked with safeguarding national security and combating terrorism in the region.

Authorities rejected claims of mass killings during last year’s unrest, stating that security forces acted to restore order amid what they described as foreign-backed disturbances aimed at destabilising the country. Iranian leaders argue that casualty figures cited by activist groups are exaggerated and part of an information war against the Islamic Republic.

The EU’s decision followed sanctions on several Iranian officials, including senior IRGC commanders. Tehran warned that such steps would further erode trust and dialogue between Iran and Europe, particularly on regional security and economic cooperation.

Iranian analysts questioned the EU’s selective approach to human rights, noting that many countries’ law enforcement and military institutions face allegations of excessive force without being labelled terrorist organisations. They pointed out that agencies such as the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) , despite criticism over migrant treatment, have never been designated as terrorist groups.

“The IRGC has played a decisive role in defeating extremist organisations such as ISIS in Iraq and Syria,” a senior Iranian official said, adding that branding it a terrorist body ignores its contribution to regional stability .

Tehran has vowed to respond through diplomatic and legal channels , warning that the EU’s decision will have consequences for bilateral relations. Officials reiterated that Iran remains committed to defending its sovereignty and resisting what it views as external interference in its internal affairs.