TEHRAN, Iran

Iran said Monday it has summoned all EU envoys in recent days over the move targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and that it is considering “countermeasures.”

Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called Iran’s moves “a minimal step,” and described the designation of the IRGC as “illegal, unjustified, and wrong actions.”

He said a “range of measures” is currently on the ministry’s agenda, adding that various options have been prepared and forwarded to decision-making bodies following the EU’s designation of the IRGC.

Tensions between Iran and European countries have escalated amid recent protests inside Iran, with European leaders condemning what they describe as a “crackdown on protesters.”

On Thursday, the EU designated the IRGC as a “terrorist organization,” prompting strong reactions from Iran’s civilian and military leadership.

On Sunday, Iran’s parliament announced that the country now considers EU armies “terrorist organizations,” following approval by Iran’s top security body in what officials described as a reciprocal move.

“It was previously emphasized that the EU’s action is not only an insult to the Iranian people but also a strategic miscalculation by the EU. Unfortunately, the EU has forgotten that those it labels as terrorists are the ones maintaining security and stability in the Persian Gulf region,” Baghaei said Monday.

“If the EU thinks this action is meant to please or curry favor with the US and the Zionist regime, it is gravely mistaken. The fact that the Zionist regime was the first to congratulate Germany and its foreign minister on this EU resolution is very telling and reveals who is orchestrating this insulting show,” he added.

Asked about recent remarks by the French foreign minister on Iran, Baghaei said they reflect “the same old habit” of acting as a “destructive factor in diplomatic processes.”

“France has no legal or moral standing to intervene or comment on any diplomatic process. It also played a destructive role in the EU’s illegal and inappropriate resolution,” he said.

Responding to questions about a warning from US Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding Iranian military exercises in the Persian Gulf and the risk of clashes between the IRGC and US forces, Baghaei said such drills are “held regularly and normally every year,” adding that this year’s exercises will be conducted “professionally to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.”

Tensions have intensified amid a US military buildup in the Persian Gulf and renewed threats by US President Donald Trump of military action if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions.

However, following mediation efforts by regional countries, particularly Türkiye, both Tehran and Washington have acknowledged that indirect talks are currently underway aimed at easing tensions.