Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the European Union's designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation as “another major strategic mistake” and “PR stunt.”
He made the comment after EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announcemed on Thursday that Iran's IRGC has been designated as a terrorist organisation.
“Several countries are presently attempting to avert the eruption of all-out war in our region. None of them are European. Europe is instead busy fanning the flames,” Araghchi wrote in a post on social media platform X on Thursday (29 January).
Araghchi referred to the EU’s support to reactivate the United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 on Iran’s nuclear sanctions saying that it was “pursuing snapback at the behest of the U.S.” and “is now making another major strategic mistake by designating our National Military as a supposed terrorist organisation,” he said.
“Putting aside the blatant hypocrisy of its selective outrage - taking zero action in response to Israel’s Genocide in Gaza and yet rushing to ‘defend human rights’ in Iran - Europe’s PR stunt mainly seeks to cloak that it is an actor in severe decline,” he added.
Also the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the EU's move as “illegal, unjustified, and contrary to the fundamental principles of international law.”
In a statement, it emphasised that the IRGC functions as part of Iran’s official armed forces under the country’s Constitution, and that “its role in safeguarding national sovereignty, internal security, and confronting extremist and terrorist groups in the region is, from Tehran’s perspective, undeniable.”
Tehran said that the labelling of a state institution is a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine the legal order governing international relations. It also slammed it as a “provocative act” calling into question the credibility and role of the EU within the international system.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law, reserves its right to defend its sovereignty, national security, and legitimate interests, and will place proportionate measures in response to this resolution on its agenda,” read a statement.
Also, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemned the EU for blacklisting the IRGC.
“The action is in blatant violation of international laws and regulations, the United Nations Charter, and the undisputed principles of respect for the national sovereignty of countries,” the top military body said.
It termed the EU move devoid of any rationality taken under pressure from the “delusional and senseless” President of the United States Donald Trump and the “terrorist and child-killing Zionist regime”, according to official IRNA news agency.
Araghchi is scheduled to visit Türkiye on Friday after a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan a day earlier for what was officially announced as consultations on regional developments.
He has warned of strong response to the recent military threat by the U.S. president but the top diplomat has left the door of diplomacy ajar saying Tehran favours a “fair and equitable” agreement.
In reaction to Trump's renewed threat of military action on Wednesday, he said that Iran’s “brave Armed Forces are prepared, with their fingers on the trigger”.
The Iranian foreign minister also said that Tehran has not requested negotiations with Washington under threats, while news media in Türkiye reported of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's suggestion to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
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