Iran declares European armies 'terrorist groups' in tit-for-tat move

Chiefs of staff of the European Union and NATO armies at a meeting on the conflict in Ukraine at the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum 11 March, 2025. AP - Sarah Meyssonnier

Iran on Sunday declared European countries' armies "terrorist groups", following the EU's decision to apply the same designation to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Western governments have accused the Guards of carrying out a crackdown on a recent protest movement that left thousands dead.

Lawmakers wore the green uniform of the Guards in a display of solidarity at the legislative session, where they chanted "Death to America", "Death to Israel" and "Shame on you, Europe", state television footage showed.