In a major diplomatic escalation, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that it has officially designated the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) as “terrorist organisations”.
Concurrently, Tehran classified Britain’s Foreign Intelligence Service, MI6, as a “hostile group” subject to Iranian espionage laws.
According to reports, the decisions—approved under a resolution by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council—were taken in response to what Tehran termed “hostile actions” by the British government over the past year.
Key grievances cited include the UK permitting US military forces to operate from British soil during ongoing regional hostilities and London’s decision in July to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under its State Threats Act. Iranian officials framed the move as a lawful, reciprocal response.
The announcement comes amidst heightened tension surrounding RAF Fairford airbase in England. US bombers operated from the facility before being withdrawn following a major security breach on September 27 that led to multiple arrests under Britain’s National Security Act.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently stated that the breach was “highly likely” coordinated from within Iran—a charge Tehran’s ambassador forcefully denied.
With MI6 now targeted under domestic anti-espionage legislation and armed forces formally blacklisted, diplomatic channels between Tehran and London face unprecedented strain.
