Iran Labels UK Royal Navy and RAF Terrorist Organizations, MI6 'Hostile'

Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as “terrorist organizations.” It also labeled MI6, the foreign intelligence service, a “hostile group.”

The ministry announced the measures on Sunday, citing a resolution of the Supreme National Security Council. They took effect on publication.

Tehran says the steps answer Britain’s “hostile actions” over the past year. We found no UK government response so far.

What the Statement Says

The announcement came from the Foreign Ministry, not parliament. IRNA carried the statement, and Mehr, Tasnim and Press TV published English versions.

MI6 is classed as a hostile group under Note 2 of Article 1 of an Iranian espionage law. The law raises penalties for cooperating with Israel and hostile states. The ministry says it now applies to the agency.

The Royal Navy and RAF fall under Iran’s law on countermeasures to the U.S. terrorist designation of the IRGC. The ministry says that makes both “terrorist organizations.”

The statement says Britain “shall bear responsibility for the consequences.” It does not say how the designations will be enforced.

Reasons Tehran Cites

The ministry lists two grievances. It accuses Britain of joining the U.S.-Israeli war by giving access to bases and logistical facilities under British jurisdiction.

It also cites Britain’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under the State Threats Act 2026. It dates that decision to July 13.

The ministry calls the steps reciprocal and consistent with international law. It also condemns British policy as contrary to the UN Charter.

What London Actually Did

The UK laid draft regulations on July 13, and Parliament approved them on July 15 and 16. They came into force on July 17, according to UK parliamentary records.

The regulations designate the IRGC under the National Security Act 2023, as amended. The designation is modeled on terrorism proscription but is a separate state-threats power. It creates offenses for supporting a designated body.

The UK government has said the IRGC is linked to plots against people on British soil. London has also sanctioned more than 550 Iranian individuals and entities.

A Year of Mounting Friction

On Oct. 12, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the IRGC “almost certainly” directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Our report on that claim has the details.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband ordered Iran’s ambassador summoned that day. The UK also froze the assets of two Iranian nationals, including an IRGC counterespionage chief. Iran denies involvement and calls the claim a “false flag.”

Police charged two men on Oct. 27 under the National Security Act. One is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service, which police believe to be Iran’s. We covered the investigation earlier.

Britain’s Role in the War

Reuters reported in March that London approved U.S. use of British bases to strike Iranian missile sites threatening shipping. AP says U.S. bombers have used RAF Fairford in the war.

Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked. MS NOW reported that Trump plans strikes as soon as Nov. 4, citing regional officials.