The Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic have issued two separate statements condemning the British government’s decision to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on its list of proscribed organisations.
The public relations department of the Islamic Republic Army issued a statement describing the move as a sign of the UK government’s “double standards.” Referencing what it called “London’s history of colonialism and support for terrorism,” the Army designated the IRGC as the “world’s largest anti-terrorism organisation.” The Army also emphasised its “empathy, alignment, and cooperation” with the IRGC in confronting what it termed “foreign threats.”
These reactions followed the British government’s formal proscription of the IRGC. Under this decision, any form of support, promotion, membership, cooperation, or receipt of benefits from the IRGC on UK soil is considered a criminal offence, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic had previously released a separate statement describing the British government’s decision as “hostile,” “irresponsible,” and contrary to the principles of international law. The ministry stated that the move violates the principles of the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
