Iran designates European armies ‘terrorist groups’ in retaliatory move

In February 2026, Iran declared all European Union militaries to be "terrorist groups." This action was a direct response to the EU's decision to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The EU's designation of the IRGC stemmed from the group's involvement in a deadly crackdown on protesters within Iran. Iran's counter-designation signifies a further escalation of tensions between Iran and the European Union. The implications of this reciprocal action on international relations and security remain to be seen.