OMM Newsroom
Iran has added the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to its list of terrorist organizations and classified the country’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, as a “hostile group.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said this in a statement, AnewZ reported.
Tehran said the decision was a response to British actions against Iran. It cited, in particular, London’s move in July to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under new national security legislation.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the measures were authorized by the country’s Supreme National Security Council. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will be designated terrorist organizations under Iranian law in retaliation for Britain’s decision concerning the IRGC.
Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, was separately declared a “hostile group” under Iranian legislation concerning espionage and cooperation with states deemed hostile to national security. The ministry said the measures took effect when the statement was issued on November 1.
Tehran said the decision was consistent with international law and the principle of reciprocity, and warned that Britain would be responsible for the consequences.
The decision adds to tensions between the two countries following US and Israeli military operations against Iran earlier this year. Tehran has accused Britain of supporting the operations and providing access to military facilities and logistics infrastructure under British jurisdiction.
Dispute over the IRGC
On July 13, Britain announced plans to list the IRGC and two other organizations under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026. The decisions took effect on July 17 after parliamentary approval.
According to the British Home Office, the law criminalizes certain forms of support and assistance to listed organizations, as well as obtaining material benefits from them. Offenders can face up to 14 years in prison.
British officials have accused the IRGC of posing a threat to national security and of involvement in activities including intimidation and attacks in Europe. This status is legally distinct from proscribing an organization under Britain’s counterterrorism legislation, although the new framework imposes similar restrictions on support for listed entities.
Iran has rejected Britain’s move and describes the IRGC as a lawful part of its armed forces.
Disagreement over Britain’s role in the conflict
The dispute also reflects differing accounts of Britain’s involvement in the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Keir Starmer, who was then Britain’s prime minister, said the country had not taken part in the initial attacks.
On March 1, Starmer confirmed that Washington had been permitted to use British military bases for limited defensive operations against Iran’s missile capabilities. The British government said the purpose was to protect regional allies and British personnel, not to join a broader offensive campaign.
London confirmed in March that its agreement with Washington also covered defensive operations against Iranian missile sites threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran disputes Britain’s account, saying the use of military facilities indicates participation in operations against Iran.
At the time the report was published, no separate official response from the British government to the decisions announced on November 1 was known. London has previously justified its measures against the IRGC as necessary to counter threats backed by foreign states.
On July 14, Britain’s Foreign Office summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires in London following allegations that the IRGC’s Quds Force directed groups involved in attacks in Europe. The ministry said the new legal measures were intended to stop activities threatening British security.
