WorldWest Asia
Iran declares Britain's Royal Navy and RAF terrorist organisations, brands MI6 a hostile group
Tehran's foreign ministry said the step answers London's listing of the Revolutionary Guards in July and accuses Britain of lending bases to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Key points
- Iran has designated the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations.
- Britain's foreign intelligence service MI6 has been classified as a hostile group under Iran's espionage law.
- Tehran called it a reciprocal response to the UK's July listing of the Revolutionary Guards.
Iran on Sunday designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations and classified MI6, the UK’s foreign intelligence service, as a hostile group, sharply widening its quarrel with London as talks with Washington hang in the balance.
The Iranian foreign ministry said the measures follow a resolution of the Supreme National Security Council. MI6 “shall be classified as a ‘hostile group’”, the ministry said, which brings the agency under Iran’s espionage law. The two armed services will be treated under the Iranian law that answered Western moves against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Tehran accused Britain of aiding the US-Israeli war against Iran by providing military and logistical bases in British-controlled territories. It also pointed to London’s decision of 13 July 2026 to place the IRGC under the State Threats Act 2026, a new law that lets the British government list foreign state bodies seen as a threat to national security. Supporting the IRGC in the UK can now carry a sentence of up to 14 years.
The ministry described its step as lawful and reciprocal and said Britain would bear responsibility for the consequences. There was no immediate response from the British government.
The announcement came as Iranian officials hardened their tone. Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia warned that any fresh US attack would bring an “immediate, crushing response” that would be “even more extensive than in the past”, and that a new conflict would not stay within West Asia.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran’s proposal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington accepts Iran’s conditions, including the lifting of sanctions. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that talks with Iran were under way but warned that its remaining nuclear sites could be struck.