WANA (Jan 29) – The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a strongly worded statement in response to the European Union’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, warning that the consequences of such a move will directly affect European policymakers.

 

In the statement, the General Staff described the EU’s decision as irrational, irresponsible, and driven by hostility, asserting that it was made in blind obedience to what it called the hegemonic and anti-human policies of the United States and the Zionist regime.

 

The move, the statement said, reflects the depth of animosity harbored by European leaders toward the Iranian nation, its armed forces, and the independence and security of the Islamic Republic.

 

According to the statement, the decision lacks any legal or logical basis and was adopted under pressure from what it described as the “delusional and reckless” U.S. president, alongside the “terrorist and child-killing” Israeli regime.

 

 

The General Staff stressed that the designation constitutes a clear violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and fundamental principles respecting national sovereignty.

 

The statement emphasized that the IRGC is a legitimate and powerful institution that has long stood at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, particularly what it described as state-sponsored terrorism by the United States and Israel.

 

 

Rooted in the will of the Iranian people and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, the IRGC has played a decisive role in defending Iran’s national security, as well as supporting nations and peoples affected by organized terrorist groups backed by Washington, Tel Aviv, and destabilizing military forces supported by certain European states.

Iranian armed forces members march during the annual military parade in Tehran, Iran, September 22, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iranian armed forces members march during the annual military parade in Tehran. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

The General Staff further questioned how the European Union could, “with complete openness and shamelessness,” accuse an anti-terrorism force in order to satisfy former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom it labelled as leading figures in global terrorism sponsorship.

 

It asserted that the accusation against the IRGC is part of a broader effort to support, expand, legitimize, and normalize terrorism at both regional and global levels.

 

The statement cited the IRGC’s sacrifices in combating terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), which it claimed have received direct backing from U.S. and European leaders, as clear evidence of the Guard’s vital role in ensuring regional peace and security.

 

Reaffirming its firm commitment to combating terrorism, the General Staff warned that the dangerous and provocative consequences of the EU’s hostile decision would rest squarely on the shoulders of European policymakers.

 

The statement concluded by stressing that Iran’s Armed Forces — particularly the IRGC — relying on faith, expertise, and the steadfast support of the Iranian people, will continue with greater resolve than ever to safeguard the nation’s dignity, independence, and national and regional security, while steadily enhancing their defensive capabilities.