Iran announced on Saturday (21 February) that it has designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as “terrorist entities” in a reciprocal move after the EU blacklisted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The announcement was made by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tehran described the EU decision as “illegal and unjustifiable”, arguing that the IRGC is an official component of Iran’s armed forces and that the European action violated the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The reciprocal designation was adopted under Iran’s 2019 countermeasures law, including Article 7, which allows  reciprocal action against states that designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

Under Article 4 of the same law, the naval and air forces of EU member states are now subject to that legal framework.

The ministry reiterated that the IRGC is an official component of Iran’s armed forces and said Tehran would continue applying the principle of reciprocity in future diplomatic and security decisions.

The decision comes amid rising tensions between Iran and several European governments, which have criticised Tehran over domestic security policies and the handling of recent protests inside the country.

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Following the listing, the IRGC is subject to restrictive measures under the EU counter-terrorism sanctions regime, including the freezing of funds and other financial assets or economic resources in EU member states.

EU operators are also prohibited from providing financial or economic resources to the group.

A total of 13 individuals, 23 groups and entities are currently subject to restrictive measures under the EU terrorism sanctions list.

The EU sanctions framework is separate from United Nations counter-terrorism regimes managed by the United Nations.

Earlier this month, Iran’s parliament announced that it also considers the armed forces of EU member states to be subject to reciprocal designation after approval by the country’s top security council.

The parliamentary announcement was followed by the summoning of ambassadors from EU member states to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

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