Iran has officially called the air and naval forces of all European Union countries terrorist organizations. This happened late Saturday. It is a direct response to the EU. The EU recently labeled Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. These actions show that relations between Iran and the EU are much worse. This is important for world safety.
Iran said this was a necessary reaction. They called the EU's decision "illegal and unjustified." Iran believes the EU's IRGC label broke UN rules. Iran's action is based on its own laws. They see it as a direct answer to European governments. The EU, however, said it labeled the IRGC because of human rights issues. They also mentioned support for groups that hurt stability in the region.
The EU's decision about the IRGC was finalized on Thursday. It means the IRGC faces strict rules. Their money in EU countries will be frozen. EU people and groups cannot give them money. The European Parliament said the IRGC was involved in missile launches. They also said it threatened the region. A Cypriot official worried the IRGC was dangerous.
Cyprus recently finished leading the EU Council. Now its forces are on Iran's list. This shows how EU foreign policy is connected. It is not yet clear how Iran's decision will affect EU operations. However, its symbolic meaning is very big. This exchange has made Iran-EU relations very difficult. It increases arguments and the chance of more actions. Calling military groups terrorist organizations is a big step. It makes talking harder. It also raises questions about future talks on important issues.