- Tehran labels MI6 a “hostile group” in response to Britain’s listing of the IRGC, accusing London of aiding the US-Israeli war against Iran
TEHRAN 1 NOVEMBER 2026 (Agencies) – Iran designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as “terrorist” organisations and its foreign intelligence agency MI6 as a “hostile group” on Sunday, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
In a statement carried by the state-run news agency IRNA, the ministry said the move came in response to London’s “malicious” actions, particularly its designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a “terrorist organisation”. It said the decision was taken under a resolution of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and followed the UK’s designation of the IRGC under the State Threats Act 2026 on July 13. The ministry described the steps as reciprocal measures and said the British government would bear responsibility for the consequences.
Under the first measure, MI6 was classed as a hostile group under an Iranian law that tightens punishments for espionage and for cooperation with Israel and hostile countries. Under the second, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were added to Iran’s lists of terrorist organisations under a law passed in response to the US designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, with the designation taking effect in November.
Tehran also accused London of taking part in the US-Israeli war against Iran by providing access to military and logistical bases and facilities under British jurisdiction. The reports did not provide evidence for the claim, and no British response was available. Britain brought the IRGC under the State Threats Act in July, accusing entities linked to the force of involvement in activities threatening British security, including directing groups to carry out attacks in Europe, a claim Iran has denied. Iran designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as terrorist organisations in February, after the EU added the IRGC to its terrorist list.
The announcement came as Iranian officials issued warnings of a wider conflict. Javani, cited by Al Jazeera, told Iran’s Fars News Agency that Tehran would not be caught off guard and would respond as necessary, and said Iran could inflict heavy strikes on US warships and that any area enemy forces tried to enter would become a “killing ground” for them.
Tensions in the Middle East have remained high since the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian retaliation across the region. Despite subsequent diplomatic efforts and a memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran in June, tensions have persisted over security arrangements and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.