Iran designates EU military forces as terrorist groups in response to the EU’s blacklisting of its Revolutionary Guard.
Iran Recognizes EU Member States’ Military as Terrorist Groups
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, announced on February 1 that Iran recognizes the military forces of EU member states as terrorist groups. This is a reaction to the EU’s decision, which on Thursday added the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to the list of terrorist organizations.
Iranian Parliament Chairman: Europeans Shot Themselves in the Foot
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Europeans are yielding to pressure from the United States. By trying to strike at the Revolutionary Guard, which itself constituted the biggest barrier to the spread of terrorism in Europe, the Europeans in reality shot themselves in the foot, he said as quoted by Associated Press. Deputies during the session of the Iranian parliament chanted slogans: “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”
EU Decision on Revolutionary Guard
EU officials conveyed that the EU’s recognition of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization is a response to Iranian authorities’ repression aimed at participants in anti-government protests. “Repressions cannot remain unanswered” – wrote Kaja Kallas, head of EU diplomacy, on X. She added that any regime that kills thousands of citizens is heading toward collapse.
Kallas explained that the Revolutionary Guard will henceforth be treated by the EU like Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the so-called Islamic State. Being added to the list of terrorist organizations results in freezing funds and financial assets in Europe.
Donald Trump Considers US Attack on Iran
Donald Trump suggested that the US could carry out an attack on Iran if no agreement is reached. Americans want Iran to give up its nuclear weapons. “I don’t know if they will. But they are talking to us. They are really talking to us” – Trump said on Saturday.
On the same day, Ali Larijani, a high-ranking Iranian security official, conveyed on X that “work is progressing on structural arrangements” regarding negotiations with the United States. So far, however, there has been no information about direct talks between Iran and the US.