Iran warns of 'countermeasures' after summoning EU envoys

2026-02-02 - 10:35

Iran has escalated its diplomatic confrontation with Europe by summoning the ambassadors of all European Union member states in response to the bloc's decision to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization. During a press briefing in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described the summoning as a "minimal step" and denounced the EU's designation as "illegal, unjustified, and wrong." He confirmed that a series of potential "countermeasures" is being prepared for approval by Iranian leadership, signaling a further deterioration in relations. A tit-for-tat exchange of terrorist labels The diplomatic crisis stems directly from the European Union's formal decision last Thursday to designate the IRGC, a powerful branch of the Iranian military, as a terrorist entity. In immediate retaliation, Iran’s parliament, with approval from the country's top security body, passed a reciprocal measure on Sunday, declaring the armed forces of EU countries to be terrorist organizations. Baghaei framed this as a necessary response, arguing that the EU had forgotten that the IRGC are "the ones maintaining security and stability in the Persian Gulf region." He further accused the EU of acting to curry favor with the United States and Israel. Condemnation of France and dismissal of US warnings The spokesman singled out France for particular criticism, accusing it of being a "destructive factor" in diplomatic processes and having "no legal or moral standing" to comment on Iran's affairs. He also responded to recent warnings from US Central Command (CENTCOM) about potential clashes during upcoming Iranian military exercises in the Persian Gulf. Baghaei dismissed the concerns, stating the drills are routine annual events conducted professionally to enhance defense capabilities, downplaying the risk of accidental conflict with US forces in the region. Tensions amid parallel US-Iran diplomacy This sharp EU-Iran rift unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing military buildup and delicate diplomacy between Tehran and Washington. While US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of military action over Iran's nuclear program, both sides have acknowledged that indirect talks are underway, facilitated by regional mediators, notably Türkiye. This creates a complex diplomatic landscape where Iran is simultaneously engaged in a heated confrontation with Europe while exploring a fragile dialogue channel with the United States, with Türkiye playing a critical stabilizing role as a mediator trusted by multiple sides in the region.