Xinhua reported that on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a decree designating Britain’s Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) as “terrorist and hostile” entities, a retaliatory move in response to what Tehran described as the UK’s anti‑Iran policies over the past year.
The announcement came after a resolution adopted by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the ministry said in a statement. It declared that the measures would take effect immediately, calling the British government’s actions a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly the principles of national sovereignty and the prohibition of unlawful measures against other states.
The ministry’s statement listed several British actions that it said were hostile, including the UAE’s offer to host Iranian forces and the UK’s use of its own territory to support coalition forces fighting against Iran. It also cited Britain’s designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a threat to national security, describing that move as a “hostile act.”
Iran affirmed its determination to safeguard its national security and interests, adding that it would take reciprocal measures against “hostile” entities. “The Iranian government will bear responsibility for the consequences of its actions,” the statement added, underscoring the principle of reciprocity.
Reactions and Context
In a statement, the ministry said that the UK had not merely criticised Iran but had actively participated in opposition to Tehran, including the use of British facilities for the support of coalition forces in the region. The decision is part of a broader set of sanctions and diplomatic retaliations that Iran has pursued against the UK during the last year.
The Iranian foreign ministry said the decision was adopted in accordance with international law and the principle of reciprocity, adding that the British government would bear responsibility for their consequences.
Authorities in Britain have not yet released an official response to the designation. Analysts suggest that the move may increase tensions between the two nations, as it potentially undermines diplomatic channels that involve military cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The designation follows a number of high‑profile incidents, including the UK’s support for sanctions against Iranian entities and its participation in multinational forces that have endangered Iranian interests. Tehran’s statement framed the UK as a “hostile” actor, with its intelligence service labeled as a terrorist entity, a claim that has not been corroborated by the UK’s foreign ministry.
Experts note that the declaration may affect British personnel operating abroad, as Iran’s government could impose restrictions or retaliatory measures. It also raises questions about the feasibility of maintaining military collaboration through diplomatic channels that rely on mutual recognition of sovereignty.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that the decree aligns with its legal commitments to uphold the United Nations Charter. It highlighted that no prior agreement or law allows the UK to act in a manner that undermines Iran’s legitimacy or security guarantees. The ministry’s statement was disseminated through the Xinhua news agency, which has previously reported on Tehran’s diplomatic actions.
Given the international nature of the dispute, the United Nations and other multilateral bodies will likely monitor the situation closely, as Iran’s claims could be seen as a measure of deterrence against foreign interference. The British government, meanwhile, is expected to reiterate its stance on national sovereignty and international law, potentially condemning Iran’s designation as defamatory.
As of the latest known update, no reciprocal designation has been announced by Britain against Iranian entities, leaving Iran’s announcement as the primary statement in this diplomatic exchange. The situation remains fluid, and observers anticipate further developments as both governments deliberate the implications of the new classification and the possible escalation of diplomatic tensions.
