Tehran: Iran on Thursday accused the European Union of ‘fanning the flames’ of regional tensions after EU foreign ministers agreed to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that several countries are working to prevent an all-out war in the region, emphasizing that Europe is not among them.
According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi criticized the EU for what he perceived as following Washington’s lead, labeling the move a ‘major strategic mistake’ by targeting Iran’s national military force. He highlighted the ‘blatant hypocrisy’ of European governments who have not taken action against Israel’s military actions in Gaza while claiming to defend human rights in Iran. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 171,000 injuries since October 2023, before a ceasefire halted the assault on Oct. 10.
Araghchi warned that Europe could face significant repercussions from a broader regional conflict, particularly through surging energy prices and wider economic impacts. He criticized the EU’s stance as detrimental to its own interests and suggested that European citizens deserve better governance.
Iran’s armed forces echoed this sentiment, condemning the EU’s designation of the IRGC as ‘illogical, irresponsible, and spite-driven.’ The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces attributed the decision to ‘blind obedience’ to US and Israeli policies. They argued that the designation violated international laws, including the UN Charter, and undermined national sovereignty, describing the IRGC as a legitimate and powerful national institution.
The Iranian military warned that the EU’s decision could legitimize terrorism globally and regionally, cautioning European policymakers about the ‘dangerous consequences’ of their actions. This reaction followed EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s announcement of the agreement to label the IRGC as a terrorist entity, citing the need for a response to repression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported the designation, calling it ‘long overdue’ and appropriate for a regime that suppresses protests violently. These developments occur amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with US President Donald Trump announcing the deployment of a ‘massive armada’ towards Iran while urging negotiations under ‘fair, balanced and noncoercive terms.’ Iranian officials have warned of a ‘swift and comprehensive’ response to any US attack while remaining open to dialogue under fair conditions.