Iran has officially classified the armed forces of all European Union (EU) member states as terrorist organizations, a decision that follows the EU's own designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. The Iranian Foreign Ministry justified this move, claiming it was in response to what it termed an 'illegal and unjustifiable' action by the EU on February 19, 2026. This reciprocal action highlights the deepening tensions between Iran and the EU over issues including human rights and military conduct.

The classification by Iran relies on Article 7 of the Countermeasures Act of 2019, which allows for equal treatment in response to actions taken by other nations. As a result, Tehran has categorized the land, air, and naval forces of EU member states under this same legal status. This decision signals a notable escalation in rhetoric and potential military engagement, as it could lead to heightened tensions in regional security dynamics.

The backdrop to this development includes the EU's recent decision to label the IRGC as a terrorist organization due to allegations of human rights violations and political repression. The classification was officially agreed upon by EU foreign ministers on January 29, following a series of discussions on how to address Iran's actions in the region. This tit-for-tat relationship risks further destabilizing already strained international relations and complicates ongoing diplomatic negotiations surrounding nuclear agreements and regional security.