PARIS: Iran on Thursday strongly condemned the European Union’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, calling the move reckless as tensions with the United States continued to escalate over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The EU announced the blacklisting following a violent crackdown on recent anti-government protests in Iran, which rights groups say left thousands dead. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the designation was long overdue, accusing Iranian authorities of crushing demonstrations through force.
Tehran warned the step would have “destructive consequences” for relations with Europe. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described it as another serious strategic error, coming after European powers last year moved to reimpose UN sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran’s military also criticised the EU action, calling it illogical and politically motivated, and alleged that European governments were acting under pressure from the United States and Israel.
Iranian officials have blamed Washington and Tel Aviv for fuelling the protests, which began over economic grievances but evolved into wider unrest against the government.
The development comes as US President Donald Trump renewed warnings that time was running out for a nuclear agreement, raising fears of further confrontation between Tehran and Western powers.