Tehran, Iran – Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, announced on Sunday that the Islamic Republic would consider the armies of European Union member states as "terrorist groups" if the bloc proceeds with its plan to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This stark warning marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the EU, underscoring a deepening diplomatic rift. Qalibaf's statement, delivered amidst growing pressure from the European Parliament for the IRGC's blacklisting, signals a firm and retaliatory stance from Tehran. "We will consider the armies of those European countries that put the IRGC on their list of terrorist organizations to be terrorist groups ourselves," Qalibaf stated, echoing similar warnings from other Iranian officials in recent days. The pronouncement comes as the EU explores legal avenues to formally list the powerful Iranian military force, a move largely prompted by its alleged crackdown on widespread domestic protests, human rights abuses, and its perceived destabilizing role in the wider Middle East. The push to designate the IRGC gained significant momentum following a European Parliament vote in January, which overwhelmingly urged the EU to add the IRGC to its terror list. Proponents argue that the IRGC, a military force separate from Iran's regular army and loyal to the Supreme Leader, is directly responsible for the violent suppression of dissent within Iran and for supporting proxy groups across the region. A formal listing would place the IRGC alongside entities like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, leading to asset freezes and criminalization of any support for the group within EU member states. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is not merely a military entity; it is a sprawling conglomerate with vast economic, political, and ideological influence within Iran. Established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the nascent Islamic system, it has evolved into a formidable power, controlling significant sectors of the Iranian economy and playing a critical role in the country's national security and foreign policy. Its Quds Force, the IRGC's elite foreign operations arm, is particularly active in regional conflicts, making any Western designation a highly sensitive issue for Tehran. Should Iran follow through with its threat, the designation of EU national armies as "terrorist groups" would plunge diplomatic relations to an unprecedented low. While largely symbolic in terms of direct military confrontation, such a move could severely complicate travel, financial transactions, and any form of cooperation between Iran and EU nations. It would likely lead to further reciprocal sanctions, diplomatic expulsions, and a complete breakdown of communication channels, potentially impacting ongoing efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, even though those talks are currently stalled. The move could also jeopardize the safety and security of EU citizens and entities operating within Iran or the broader region. This latest development fits into a broader pattern of escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly since the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The international community has repeatedly condemned Iran's nuclear program advancements, its ballistic missile development, and its human rights record. Tehran, in turn, views Western pressure as an interference in its sovereign affairs and an attempt to destabilize the regime. The reciprocal threats highlight a dangerous tit-for-tat dynamic that risks further isolation for Iran and increased instability in an already volatile region. Qalibaf's assertive declaration underscores Iran's determination to resist external pressure and its readiness to respond forcefully to what it perceives as hostile actions. As the EU deliberates on the legal framework for designating the IRGC, the prospect of such a retaliatory move from Tehran presents a significant challenge to international diplomacy and signals a period of heightened confrontation between Iran and some of the world's leading economic and political powers. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether both sides can find a path to de-escalation or if this rhetorical battle will lead to concrete, damaging actions.
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