In a move that reflects the escalation of political tensions between Tehran and Brussels, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced yesterday (Saturday) that it would apply the principle of reciprocity and classify all naval and air forces of European Union member states as “terrorist organizations” after the Revolutionary Guards were included in the list of European terrorists.
Principle of reciprocity
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the decision was taken in response to what it called “illegal and unjust measures,” considering that the classification of the Revolutionary Guards as one of the mainstays of the official armed forces violates the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law.
She stressed that the inclusion of European countries’ navies and air forces on Iran’s list falls under what she called “reciprocal measures,” underscoring Iran’s commitment to the principle of reciprocity in matters related to security and defense.
Background to the European decision
On February 19, after a political agreement was reached in January 2026, the Council of the European Union announced that it would add the Revolutionary Guards to the list of terrorist organizations and impose restrictive measures within the European anti-terrorism sanctions regime.
Europe’s decision was based on accusations related to human rights abuses in Iran, a crackdown on protests, as well as support for regional armed groups and supplying arms to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.
I get excited
Given the exchange of accusations and punitive measures, Iran’s move opens the door to a new phase of diplomatic escalation, foreshadowing further tensions in Iran’s relations with European capitals in the next phase.
