Iran Announces Reciprocal move: EU Armed Forces to face 'Terror Group' Label Over IRGC

Tensions between Iran and Western nations escalated sharply on Friday after Tehran announced a retaliatory move against the European Union’s decision to blacklist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. In a tit-for-tat response, Iran said it would designate the armed forces of EU member states as “terror groups,” deepening an already volatile standoff involving the United States, Europe, and regional actors.

Iranian officials condemned the EU’s decision as politically motivated, warning that Europe would “suffer consequences” for what Tehran described as a provocative and hostile act. The IRGC, a powerful branch of Iran’s military establishment, plays a central role in the country’s security, regional strategy, and domestic politics. Its designation has long been demanded by critics of Iran, but the move has now triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash.

Amid the escalating rhetoric, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained prepared for “fair and equitable” negotiations, including on the nuclear issue, provided talks were held on an equal footing. His remarks came even as Iran vowed a “crushing response” to what it called threats from the United States, highlighting the contradictory mix of diplomacy and confrontation shaping the crisis.

Also Read: EU Foreign Ministers Designate IRGC Terrorist Entity Over Human Rights Abuses

International concern has grown as military signals intensified. Reports confirmed that a US missile destroyer docked at Israel’s Red Sea port of Eilat, while Iran said it was bracing for potential US strikes and had deployed drones as a precautionary measure. Former US President Donald Trump, who has issued strong warnings to Tehran, said he hoped to avoid military action but had also approved expanded military options.

Regional and global leaders have urged restraint. The United Nations secretary-general called for dialogue, Turkey offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran, and Qatar held talks with Iranian officials amid rising tensions. Palestinian and Turkish officials warned that instability in the region would have far-reaching consequences.

As diplomatic efforts struggle to keep pace with rapid developments, the standoff underscores the fragile balance between pressure and negotiation. With sanctions expanding, military posturing intensifying, and rhetoric hardening on all sides, the Iran-US-EU confrontation appears poised to remain a central flashpoint in global geopolitics in the days ahead.

Also Read: France Ends Hesitation, Backs Inclusion of Iran's IRGC on EU Terrorism List