The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that it had designated Britain’s Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) as terrorist and hostile entities. The decree, carried out under a resolution from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was described as a retaliatory action in response to what Tehran called the UK’s anti‑Iran policies over the past year.
The ministry’s statement said the measures were taken because of a series of “hostile” actions by the British government, including allowing the use of military bases and facilities on British soil to support the United States’ war against Iran. It also cited the UK’s designation of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as a “threat to national security” as part of the grounds for its decision.
Iran’s statement further described British actions as violating the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly those that protect national sovereignty and prohibit unlawful measures against other states. It emphasized that the designation was grounded in the principle of reciprocity and affirmed Iran’s determination to safeguard its national security and interests.
The decree is effective immediately and the ministry warned that the United Kingdom would bear responsibility for any consequences that arise from Iran’s designation. It reaffirmed that Iran will take further action if the United Kingdom continues its perceived hostility toward Iran.