TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations and classified its intelligence agency MI6 as a hostile group in a retaliatory move escalating tensions between Tehran and London.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran said the measures had been adopted following a resolution by the Supreme National Security Council and would take effect immediately upon publication.
The announcement, dated October 31, 2026, accused Britain of pursuing hostile policies against Iran, including supporting US-Israeli military operations through the provision of military bases and facilities.
Tehran also cited Britain’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under its National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 as justification for the reciprocal measures.
Under the Iranian decision, MI6, Britain’s foreign intelligence service, will be treated as a “hostile group” under provisions of Iranian law dealing with espionage and cooperation with countries considered hostile to its national security.
The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, meanwhile, have been classified as terrorist organisations by Iran, which cited their alleged involvement in military operations against the Islamic Republic.
Why Iran is targeting Britain’s military and intelligence agencies
Iran said its decision was based on Article 256 of its Law on State Threats, dated July 13, 2026, and the principle of reciprocity.
The Foreign Ministry argued that Britain’s alleged participation in military operations against Iran and its treatment of the IRGC justified retaliatory action.
The statement warned that the British government would bear responsibility for the consequences of its actions.
The measures also extend to cooperation or contact with MI6 under the provisions of the Iranian law cited in the announcement.
Britain designated Iran’s IRGC in July
The latest escalation follows Britain’s decision in July 2026 to designate the IRGC under new powers created by the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
The legislation allows the British government to designate organisations involved in foreign power threat activities, creating criminal offences for certain forms of support, assistance and the provision of material benefits to designated bodies.
The IRGC was among three organisations formally designated on July 17, alongside the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps.
The British government said the measures were intended to strengthen its ability to disrupt threats posed by foreign states and organisations operating on their behalf.
The designation carries potential prison sentences of up to 14 years for certain offences involving support for designated organisations.
Tensions rise over alleged Iranian operations in Britain
The latest exchange of measures comes amid growing security tensions between Britain and Iran.
On October 12, the British government and several international partners issued a joint statement condemning what they described as Iranian-linked attacks, including alleged espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and other hostile activities.
The statement also referred to an incident at RAF Fairford on September 27, which Britain attributed to Iranian-linked activity.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham subsequently told Parliament that the IRGC was highly likely to have been involved in coordinating the suspected plot. Iran has denied involvement and challenged Britain to provide evidence.
The British government has maintained that protecting its territory and citizens from foreign state threats remains a national security priority.
