Tehran: Classifying the "Revolutionary Guard" as a Terrorist Organization is a "Strategic Mistake"

SadaNews - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the European Union's decision to classify the "Revolutionary Guard" as a terrorist organization, describing the step as a "major strategic error". The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces warned that the repercussions of this "hostile and provocative" decision will fall directly on the shoulders of policymakers in Europe.

Araghchi stated in a post on the "X" platform that several countries are currently "trying to avoid the outbreak of a full-scale war in the region", accusing Europe of being preoccupied with "escalating tensions instead of containing them".

He added that Europe is "committing a new major strategic error" after its attempt, at the request of the United States, to activate the "snapback" mechanism, leading to the classification of the "Revolutionary Guard" as a terrorist organization, describing the move as a "public relations campaign" more than a decision based on realistic calculations.

He expressed his belief that this trend reflects a "blatant hypocrisy and double standards", pointing out that Europe has not taken any action regarding what he described as the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza, while it hastens to defend human rights in Iran.

He viewed the European step as fundamentally aimed at hiding the reality that Europe has become a party experiencing a sharp decline in influence.

Araghchi warned that the European continent would be "among the most affected" in the event of a full-scale war in the region, especially due to the repercussions related to rising energy prices, considering that "the current position of the European Union severely harms its own interests", adding that "Europeans deserve better than what their governments offer them".

In parallel, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces announced in a statement that the "dangerous consequences of the hostile and provocative decision" would fall directly on European politicians.

It described the move as "illogical and irresponsible", asserting that it came "in the context of submission to U.S. and Israeli policies", considering it a "clear violation of international laws and the United Nations Charter and the principle of respecting state sovereignty".

The statement indicated that the "Revolutionary Guard" is a "legal and powerful institution that has played a pivotal role in confronting terrorist organizations in the region", noting that targeting it "effectively serves the path of legitimizing terrorism and undermining regional security". It also stated that the European decision raises a "fundamental question" about its motives and timing, amid escalating tensions and increasing discussion about the risks of slipping into a wider confrontation.

The statement emphasized that the "Revolutionary Guard" will continue its work "with a stronger resolve than before" in protecting national security, warning that Europe will bear the costs of this path as a "direct result of its current political choices".

Today, Thursday, EU foreign ministers agreed to include the "Revolutionary Guard" on the bloc's list of terrorist organizations, placing it in the same category as ISIS and al-Qaeda, marking a shift in Europe's approach towards Iranian authorities.

EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated in a social media post: "We cannot remain silent about oppression". He added: "Any regime that kills thousands of its people is seeking its own downfall".