Tehran: Iran on Sunday designated United Kingdom's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as "terrorist organisations" and classified its Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, as a "hostile group", citing what the Islamic Republic described as Britain's hostile actions against Tehran.
In a statement issued on November 1, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the measures had been adopted pursuant to a resolution of the country's Supreme National Security Council and in response to Britain's actions over the past year.
The ministry accused the British government of pursuing policies and actions contrary to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly those concerning respect for national sovereignty and the prohibition of unlawful measures against other countries.
Explaining the decision, the statement cited Britain's alleged involvement in the US-Israeli war against Iran through the provision of military and logistical bases and facilities located in territories under British jurisdiction.
It also referred to the British government's decision on 13 July 2026, to place Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the State Threats Act 2026.
Announcing the measures, the ministry said, "As of the issuance of this statement (November 1, 2026), the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) shall be classified as a 'hostile group' pursuant to Note 2 to Article 1 of the Law on 'Enhancing Punishments for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests,' and the provisions of this law shall apply to the British agency."
It further announced the designation of the UK's naval and air forces under Iranian law.
"As of the issuance of this statement (November 1, 2026), the UK's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force shall be subject to the Law on 'Countermeasures Against the United States' Designation of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization' and shall accordingly be designated as terrorist organizations," the statement said.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the measures were intended to safeguard the country's national security and interests, adding that they had been taken in accordance with international law and the principle of reciprocity.
"It is self-evident that these measures have been adopted in accordance with the principles of international law and within the framework of the principle of reciprocity, and the British government shall bear responsibility for their consequences," the ministry said.
The statement also reiterated Iran's condemnation of what it described as anti-Iranian policies and actions by the British government, while reaffirming Tehran's determination to take necessary measures to protect its national security and interests.
The UK designated the IRGC in July under a new law that allows foreign state bodies considered a threat to national security to be listed. Under the law, anyone in the UK who supports or assists the IRGC faces a prison sentence of up to 14 years, Al Jazeera reported.