Iran summons EU ambassadors to protest Revolutionary Guard being listed as terror group

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.

In February 2026, Iran designated European armies as "terrorist groups" in retaliation for the European Union's decision to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization. The Iranian parliament speaker stated this action was in response to the EU's move, which was prompted by the IRGC's crackdown on recent protests within Iran. The EU's foreign policy chief announced the IRGC designation, citing the regime's repression of its own people. Protests in Iran began in late December over economic grievances and evolved into a challenge to the government, resulting in thousands of deaths according to human rights organizations. The IRGC, a branch of Iran's military, operates independently and plays a significant role in Iran's defense and foreign operations.

Iran summoned all European Union ambassadors to protest the EU's decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. The EU's action, taken last week, was in response to the IRGC's role in suppressing nationwide protests in January. The move, while largely symbolic, increases economic pressure on Iran. In response, Iran is considering reciprocal actions against the EU. The situation unfolds as Turkey attempts to mediate between the U.S. and Iran to de-escalate tensions, with the U.S. having moved military assets into the Middle East.

Iranian state media released photographs of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late January, marking his first public appearance in weeks. Opposition groups, including the National Council of Resistance of Iran, claim the images were staged to project strength and boost the morale of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is reportedly strained after suppressing recent protests. The release coincided with calls from the European Parliament to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, prompting a show of solidarity from Iranian lawmakers. According to Ali Safavi, the IRGC remains the backbone of the regime's power, but the regime is struggling to break the will of the people.

The European Union has designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization in response to the violent crackdown on nationwide protests. The decision, announced by the EU's foreign policy chief, places the Guard on the same footing as groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. The EU also sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, including Revolutionary Guard commanders, due to the crackdown that activists say has resulted in thousands of deaths. These measures add to international pressure on Iran, which is also facing potential military action from the US. In response, Iran has threatened retaliatory strikes targeting American military bases and Israel.

On January 30, 2026, Iran threatened immediate retaliation against US bases and aircraft carriers if attacked. This followed warnings from US President Trump regarding Iran's nuclear deal and the EU's blacklisting of the Revolutionary Guards. Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated that US aircraft carriers have vulnerabilities and that numerous US military assets in the Gulf region are within range of Iran's medium-range missiles. He made these statements on state television. The threats come amid rising tensions between Iran and the US.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran will conduct live-fire military drills in the Strait of Hormuz next week. The exercises by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ naval forces coincide with the arrival of a U.S. armada, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, in the Middle East. President Trump warned Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, threatening military action if necessary. He alluded to a previous U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites and warned of a more severe response to any future attacks. Iran has warned it will respond forcefully to any U.S. military action, accusing the U.S. of exploiting unrest to instigate a wider conflict.

Amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, Iranian authorities unveiled a mural in Tehran's Enghelab Square depicting a damaged US aircraft carrier with a warning: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind." The unveiling coincides with the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the region, prompted by President Trump's concerns about potential Iranian actions. Trump has hinted at possible military action, while Iranian military officials claim heightened readiness. The US military has also increased its presence in the Middle East, deploying F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets. The tensions follow a crackdown on Iranian protests and threats from Trump regarding potential executions of protestors.

Amid rising tensions and a looming US military presence near Iranian waters, Iran is prioritizing defensive readiness over negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled for talks in Turkiye as regional leaders attempt to de-escalate the situation. Despite messages exchanged with the US through intermediaries, Iranian officials emphasize a focus on military preparedness, citing past attacks during previous negotiation attempts. Iran recently bolstered its military capabilities by adding 1,000 new drones to its forces, including suicide, combat, and reconnaissance models. The country has conducted numerous military exercises since June.

Yemen's Houthi rebels threatened renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping, potentially to support Iran amid rising tensions with the U.S. The threat coincides with the U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group moving towards the region. This deployment follows warnings from former President Trump regarding potential military action against Iran if it harms protesters or conducts mass executions. Meanwhile, Iran has issued its own warnings to the U.S. and Israel, accompanied by displays of military readiness and airspace restrictions. These actions reflect heightened anxieties in Iran following recent attacks and amidst ongoing domestic unrest.

France announced its support for the European Union's designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist organization," reversing its previous opposition. The announcement, made by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on January 28, 2026, links the decision to the Iranian government's crackdown on anti-government protests. Barrot stated that the EU will take action against those responsible for the crackdown, including asset freezes and travel bans. EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to approve new sanctions against the IRGC, a branch of Iran's military that oversees its missile and nuclear programs and plays a key role in regional operations. The move, led by Italy, requires unanimous approval from the EU's 27 member states.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Friday in Istanbul that Iran will not engage in direct negotiations with the United States while under threat from President Trump. Araghchi emphasized that talks must be based on a fair approach, ruling out discussions about Iran's ballistic missiles, which he considers essential for security. President Trump has threatened military action to force Iran to halt its nuclear program, limit its missiles, and end support for allied militias. Iran has vowed retaliation against any American attacks, potentially targeting U.S. bases or allies. Several countries in the region are urging de-escalation, fearing a regional war.

On January 29, 2026, Iran's foreign minister criticized the European Union's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The Iranian government views the EU's action as hypocritical, citing the bloc's stated commitment to universal human rights. Iran argues that the EU is shielding Israel from accountability regarding the war on Gaza, while simultaneously taking action against the IRGC. The Iranian government believes this stance undermines the EU's credibility on human rights issues. The statement highlights the growing tensions between Iran and the EU.

President Trump stated that the U.S. is monitoring Iran and deploying a large naval force, an "armada," to the region. This announcement comes nearly a month after anti-government protests erupted in Iran. The Pentagon reportedly ordered the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers to the Middle East from the South China Sea, and the Air Force sent additional fighter jets. Trump claimed his threats had halted over 830 executions of protesters, a claim denied by Iran's prosecutor general. The Iranian government maintains that the protests have been quelled, but had previously warned that rioters could face the death penalty.

US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the United States is sending an "armada" towards Iran amid heightened tensions. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed hope that military action would not be necessary, but warned Iran against harming protesters or restarting its nuclear program. The US is also considering deploying additional air-defense systems to the Middle East. These deployments aim to bolster the defense of US forces in the region and provide Trump with more military options. The increased military presence comes as a precautionary measure while the US closely monitors Iran.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that a large US naval fleet was being deployed to the Gulf region, focusing on Iran. He stated the US was closely monitoring Iran and hoped military action would not be necessary. This announcement followed reports that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group was rerouted to the Middle East. Trump claimed his previous threats of force deterred Iran from executing protesters involved in recent anti-government demonstrations, which reportedly resulted in over 3,000 deaths. Despite the military buildup, Trump reiterated his openness to dialogue with Iranian leadership. Iranian officials have denied plans to execute protesters.

On Sunday, Iranian state TV channels were hacked amidst a near-total internet shutdown to broadcast images of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and support for ongoing anti-government protests. The broadcast included clips of Pahlavi urging Iranian security forces to side with the public and calling on the military to break with the Islamic Republic. These actions occurred as nationwide protests continued for the 22nd day, with the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reporting widespread demonstrations, arrests, and deaths. HRANA's figures indicate thousands of deaths, including protesters and children, with many more under investigation. Reports also surfaced of security forces storming hospitals and interfering with medical care for injured protesters, further exacerbating the situation.

The Iranian government announced on Wednesday that it had suppressed recent anti-government protests that began in late December due to economic issues and evolved into broader opposition. Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi declared "the sedition is over," vowing to punish those responsible. State TV reported over 3,000 deaths from the protests, while a human rights group estimated a higher toll. Despite an internet blackout and disinformation, reports indicate a return to normalcy with a heavy security presence. The government plans to restore internet access, but foreign sites may remain blocked.

Hackers disrupted Iranian state television broadcasts on Sunday night, replacing programming with footage supporting exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and urging security forces to refrain from violence against protesters. The hacking targeted multiple channels of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the state broadcaster. This disruption follows widespread protests in Iran and a government crackdown that has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high, with the U.S. President issuing warnings against further violence. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying destroyers have entered the Strait of Malacca, potentially heading towards the Middle East amid the ongoing unrest.

Iran has announced that 3,117 people died during recent nationwide protests, marking the first official death toll released by the government. According to state television, 2,427 of those killed were civilians and security forces. This figure is significantly lower than estimates from human rights groups, such as the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which claims at least 4,902 deaths. Independent verification of the death toll is difficult due to restricted internet access and limitations on journalists within Iran. The Iranian government attributes the protests to "rioters" influenced by the US and Israel. Meanwhile, Iran threatened retaliation against the US amid rising tensions, as a US aircraft carrier group moved towards the Middle East.

Reports allege that Iranian authorities have sexually assaulted teenage prisoners and are charging families up to 10 billion rials to recover the bodies of protesters killed during recent unrest. The accusations come as the Iranian government claims to have quelled the protests, which began in late December due to public anger over political repression, economic hardship, and state violence. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), over 26,000 people have been arrested, and the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 4,902. The Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) reports that families are being threatened and pressured to blame protesters for the deaths. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) claims detainees are being killed and their bodies burned.

Iranian state media reported that at least 3,117 people were killed during recent anti-government protests, according to a statement released by the Martyrs Foundation on January 21, 2026. The statement specified that 2,427 of the deaths were civilians and security forces. The protests, which began in late December due to economic grievances, escalated into a broader anti-government movement. The Iranian government condemned the protests as a "terrorist" incident fueled by the US, while rights groups reported security forces directly fired on protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) claims a higher death toll of 4,519, including protesters, security personnel, and bystanders, with thousands more deaths under review.