The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the British government’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terror group”, calling the move a violation of international law.
In a statement published on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that the decision goes against “the fundamental principles and rules of international law, including the principles of the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.”
The ministry also stressed that the “unjustified and irresponsible” move would leave Britain with “political, legal and diplomatic consequences.”
The statement stressed that the IRGC is an integral part of the official armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside the Iranian Army, which are responsible for the nation’s security and sovereignty.
Furthermore, it also defended the IRGC’s role in the wider Middle East region, stating that its contributions to regional peace and security, particularly through its role in fighting against ISIS, should not be ignored.
According to the statement, Britain’s decision to designate the IRGC as a terror group, described as an “official institution of a sovereign state”, is a “disgraceful and provocative act” that violates international law and the United Nations Charter.
Britain’s involvement in foreign affairs
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
The statement also criticised Britain’s long history of “interference” in other countries’ affairs.
“The United Kingdom has no moral standing to level accusations against others,” the statement said, adding that the country had acted as “an accomplice and active participant” in the recent American-Israeli war against Iran.
The statement concluded with further criticism of the UK, calling it hostile and hypocritical for its recent decision: “The hostile decision against Iran is based on unfounded security allegations, even though the UK itself hosts and supports terrorist and violent networks and groups.
“While reserving all of its rights under the Charter of the United Nations and international law to take reciprocal measures in response to the UK’s wrongful action, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that responsibility for the political, legal, and diplomatic consequences of this anti-Iranian decision rests with the UK ruling establishment,” the statement concluded.
The decision to proscribe the IRGC came after the UK passed a new law granting new powers to the Home Secretary to crack down on groups deemed to be carrying out “hostile activity on behalf of foreign states.”
The official law, deemed controversial by many for its vague terms, was passed on July 8 under the National Security (State Threats) Act.
