TEHRAN, — Iran has designated the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations and classified the UK's foreign intelligence service, MI6, as a “hostile group,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday. The measures took effect immediately following a resolution approved by Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
According to the state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran said the decision was a response to Britain's alleged involvement in recent US-Israeli military operations against Iran, including providing access to military bases and logistical facilities under British jurisdiction.
Iran also cited the UK's decision on July 13, 2026, to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
Legal Basis for the Designations
Iran classified MI6 as a hostile group under its law on espionage and cooperation with Israel and other countries considered hostile to Iranian national security. The ministry said individuals accused of assisting MI6 could face prosecution under Iranian criminal law.
The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were designated under a separate Iranian law introduced in response to the United States' designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Iran Warns UK Over Consequences
The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Britain of violating the UN Charter and international law, particularly principles concerning national sovereignty and non-interference. Tehran said the measures were lawful under the principle of reciprocity and necessary to protect its national security and interests.
Iran warned that the British government would bear full responsibility for any consequences arising from the designations.
The announcement follows Iran's February 2026 decision to designate the naval and air forces of European Union member states as terrorist organizations after the EU listed the IRGC.
The UK government had not issued a public response to Iran's latest decision as of Sunday.
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