‘Irrational’: Iran pillories EU for IRGC designation
Iran strongly condemned the European Union for its “irrational and irresponsible” move to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, saying it reflects the depth of the bloc’s hostility toward the Islamic Republic.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran said in a statement that the EU’s decision has undoubtedly been taken in obedience to the “hegemonic and inhumane policies of the United States and the Israeli regime.”
“It (EU’s decision) reflects the depth of hostility and resentment of the leaders of the bloc toward the noble nation of Iran, the Armed Forces, the security and independence of the powerful country of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The statement stressed that the action is in blatant violation of international law, the United Nations Charter.
The EU added the IRGC to its terrorist list in response to the forces’ role in the Islamic Republic’s response to recent riots in the country, which were triggered by protests over economic problems on December 28.
According to Iranian officials, more than 3,100 people, including security forces and ordinary people, have been killed in the protests.
The 27-nation bloc also adopted visa bans and asset freezes on 21 state entities and Iranian officials – including the interior minister, prosecutor general and regional IRGC commanders.
Iran's Foreign Ministry called the designation of the IRGC "illegal and political," emphasizing that the IRGC is a formal, lawful institution that plays a crucial role in Iran’s national defense and in combating terrorism.
It also described the EU’s move as a “dangerous” and “unjustified” step that undermines multilateralism and the rule of law.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf also slammed the designation. Qalibaf wrote in a post on the social media platform X that the IRGC is “one of the strongest and most effective anti-terrorism forces in the world.”
Reacting to the EU’s move, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani in a post on X said that under a resolution passed by Iran’s Parliament, the armed forces of countries that have voted in favor of the EU’s move are regarded as “terrorist” organization.