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Tehran slams UK designation of IRGC as threat to national security
Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement on Tuesday denounced the British government's decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a “threat under the United Kingdom's National Security Act,” describing the move as an “unjustified and irresponsible” measure that violates international law.
The Foreign Ministry said the decision contravened “the fundamental principles and rules of international law, including the principles of the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.”
It stressed that the IRGC was an integral component of the official Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic and, alongside the Iranian Army, was responsible for safeguarding the country's territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and national security.
It also defended the force's regional role, saying its contributions to regional peace, security, and human dignity, particularly through its fight against the Daesh Takfiri terror group, were evident to all.
According to the statement, Britain's decision to apply such a designation to an official institution of a sovereign state is “a disgraceful and provocative act” that violates international law and the United Nations Charter.
The ministry added that the measure was particularly ill-timed given the current tensions in the West Asia region and criticized Britain's long history of interference in other countries' internal affairs.
The statement further said that the United Kingdom "has no moral standing to level accusations against others," reminding how the country had acted as “an accomplice and active participant” during the most recent bout of unprovoked American-Israeli military aggression against Iran.
Rejecting Britain's allegations against the IRGC, the ministry said it was “particularly ironic” that such claims had been used to try to justify the decision while the UK, itself, "hosts and supports terrorist and violent networks and groups."
Iran also warned that it reserves its rights under the UN Charter and international law to take reciprocal measures, adding that British authorities would bear responsibility for the political, legal, and diplomatic consequences of the decision.
The Foreign Ministry also summoned the British ambassador to Tehran to protest the "baseless accusations".
The statement by the Foreign Ministry came after British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that the IRGC would be designated a “national security threat under new powers in the National Security (State Threats) Act,” making support for the elite force a “criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.”
The proposed law is to be presented to parliament this week.