January 30, 2026 | 11:52 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran has condemned the European Union for what it called a “big strategic mistake” after the bloc agreed to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered the criticism on Thursday, as quoted by Anadolu.
Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced that EU foreign ministers had reached a political agreement to place the IRGC on the EU’s list of terrorist organizations.
Araghchi said the decision undermines efforts to prevent a wider conflict between the United States and Iran, noting that countries attempting to de-escalate tensions in the region are not European.
“Europe is instead busy fanning the flames,” Araghchi said in a post on the U.S. social media platform X, criticizing the bloc for what he described as following Washington’s lead and committing a “major strategic mistake” by targeting Iran’s national military force.
The Iranian foreign minister also accused European leaders of hypocrisy, arguing that they have failed to take meaningful action in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza while claiming to defend human rights in Iran.
More than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 171,000 injured during Israel’s nearly two-year military offensive in Gaza since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Although a ceasefire took effect on October 10, Israeli attacks have continued, killing nearly 500 Palestinians, including more than 100 children.
Araghchi warned that Europe itself could suffer serious consequences if tensions escalate into a broader regional conflict, citing potential spikes in energy prices and wider economic fallout.
“The EU’s current posture is deeply damaging to its own interests,” he said, adding that European citizens “deserve better than what their governments are offering.”
‘Irresponsible Step’
Iran’s military also strongly criticized the EU’s decision. In a separate statement, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces described the designation as “illogical, irresponsible, and motivated by vengeance.”
The statement said the move was taken in “blind obedience to the dominating and anti-human policies” of the United States and Israel. It accused European leaders of harboring deep hostility toward Iran, its armed forces, and what it called the country’s sovereignty and independence.
According to the General Staff, the IRGC is an integral component of Iran’s national armed forces, and labeling it a terrorist organization lacks any rational or legal basis. The decision, it said, was imposed under pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv.
“It constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and regulations, the Charter of the United Nations, and the fundamental principles of respect for national sovereignty,” the statement said, adding that the IRGC “has always been a legitimate and strong institution.”
The military warned that the EU’s move could have dangerous consequences and claimed it would effectively legitimize terrorism rather than curb it.
“The dangerous consequences of this hostile and provocative decision will rest directly on the shoulders of European policymakers,” the statement said.
EU Defends Decision
Kallas said the designation reflects the EU’s response to what she described as repression by Iranian authorities. “Repression cannot go unanswered,” she wrote on X, adding that EU foreign ministers had taken “decisive step” against what she called a regime that kills its own people.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the decision, calling it “long overdue.” She said the label “terrorist” was appropriate for a regime that, in her words, crushes protests “with blood.”
The diplomatic exchange comes amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump said a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran and urged Tehran to return to negotiations.
Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. military action would trigger a “swift and comprehensive” response, while reiterating that Tehran remains open to dialogue only under conditions it considers fair, balanced, and free from coercion.
Read: EU Puts Iran Revolutionary Guards on 'Terrorist' List
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