ISTANBUL

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 said several countries are currently working to prevent the outbreak of an all-out war in the region, adding that none of them are European.

“Europe is instead busy fanning the flames,” Araghchi said in a post on US social media company X, criticizing the bloc for what he described as following Washington’s lead and making a “major strategic mistake” by targeting Iran’s national military force.

He said the move reflected “blatant hypocrisy,” accusing European governments of taking no action in response to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza while rushing to claim they are defending human rights in Iran.

More than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 171,000 others injured in two years of Israeli bombardment in Gaza since October 2023, before the assault came to a halt under a ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10.

Araghchi also warned that Europe itself would be heavily affected by any wider regional conflict, citing the potential impact of surging energy prices and broader economic consequences.

“The EU’s current posture is deeply damaging to its own interests,” he said, adding that Europeans “deserve better than what their governments have to offer.”

- ‘Irresponsible’ move

Iran’s armed forces also decried the EU’s designation, calling the move “illogical, irresponsible, and spite-driven.”

In a statement, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said the decision was made in “blind obedience to the domineering and anti-human policies” of the United States and Israel.

“It reflects the depth of hostility and animosity harbored by the leaders of this bloc toward the valiant Iranian nation, its armed forces, and the security and independence of the powerful Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement read.

The General Staff stressed that the IRGC is an integral part of Iran’s national armed forces, describing the designation as “devoid of any rationality” imposed under pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv.

“It constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and regulations, the Charter of the United Nations, and the fundamental principles of respect for national sovereignty,” the statement said, adding that the IRGC has “always been a legal and powerful institution.”

It said that designation is “in line with supporting, strengthening, expanding, and legitimizing terrorism in the world and the region,” warning that the “dangerous consequences of this hostile and provocative decision will rest directly on the shoulders of European policymakers.”

The Iranian outcry came after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that EU member states had reached a political agreement to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

“Repression cannot go unanswered,” Kallas said on X, adding that EU foreign ministers had taken a “decisive step” against what she described as “a regime that kills its own people.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the move, saying the designation was “long overdue” and that the term “terrorist” was appropriate for a regime that crushes protests “in blood.”

The remarks come as tensions have escalated between Tehran and Washington in recent weeks, following US President Donald Trump’s statements that a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran, alongside his call for Tehran to “come to the table” for negotiations.

Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would draw a “swift and comprehensive” response, while reiterating that Tehran remains open to talks only under what it describes as “fair, balanced and noncoercive terms.”