WANA (Jan 30) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, has strongly defended the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the European Union’s recent move against the force, describing it as “one of the most powerful and effective counterterrorism forces in the world.”

 

In a post published late Thursday on the social media platform X, Ghalibaf reacted to what Iranian officials have described as a political and unlawful decision by the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. He argued that the IRGC’s record in combating terrorist groups—particularly ISIS—is well established and cannot be credibly denied.

 

“Only those who stand on the side of terrorists can deny the IRGC’s role in fighting ISIS,” Ghalibaf wrote, emphasizing the group’s operational role in regional counterterrorism efforts, especially in Iraq and Syria.

 

The Iranian parliamentary speaker also warned that supporting or tolerating terrorism would ultimately have consequences for European countries, saying such policies would lead to “nothing but regret.”

 

Ghalibaf’s remarks came hours after the European Union announced its decision to place the IRGC—an official branch of Iran’s armed forces—on its list of so-called terrorist organizations. Tehran has condemned the move as politically motivated, illegal, and incompatible with international law.

 

Iranian officials argue that the EU decision ignores the IRGC’s role in confronting extremist groups in the Middle East and undermines regional security realities. The designation has triggered strong reactions across Iran’s political spectrum, with officials warning it could further strain already tense relations between Tehran and European capitals.

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