Iran labels EU Naval and Air Forces as terrorist groups in retaliation to IRGC designation | World News
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it now considers the naval and air forces of all European Union countries as terrorist organizations.
This decision comes directly in response to the EU’s recent addition of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a key part of the Iranian military, to its official terrorist list.
The Ministry issued an official statement stating that this step of the EU was illegal and a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the rules of international law.
They emphasized that Iran was acting on the basis of “reciprocity” following the 2019 law triggered by similar US actions against the Revolutionary Guard; This could lead to asset freezes and sanctions against those EU powers.
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This tit-for-tat move is increasing tensions as the IRGC faces new EU restrictions such as asset freezes and financing bans, amid wider regional tensions such as the US military presence and Iran exercises.
According to the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran made this decision by referring to Article 7 of the “Law on Mutual Action Against the Designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization by the United States” adopted in 2019, which states that “all countries that follow or support in any way the decision of the United States to designate the Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization are subject to mutual action.”
This comes after the EU designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation, putting the powerful military force in the same category as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.
The Revolutionary Guard, established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the Shiite religious system, has significant influence over Iran’s economy and armed forces and manages the country’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
Meanwhile, the United States, Israel and their allies continue to pressure Iran to stop enriching uranium. They worry that Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a nuclear deal within 10 to 15 days. Otherwise bad things will happen.
On Thursday, Trump told reporters: “We’re going to come to an agreement, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them. Ten to fifteen days is plenty of time.”
At the Peace Board meeting, Trump repeated the warning. He said Iran should now join the US path. Otherwise, he faces a different path.
Trump added that Iran cannot continue to destabilize the region. They need to make a deal or bad things will happen.
The United States sent air and naval forces to West Asia. CNN says this is the largest increase since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
CNN reported that the US military may strike Iran this weekend. Sources say Trump hasn’t decided yet.
(with ANI entries)
