Iran declares UK Navy, Air Force 'terrorist organisations', labels MI6 hostile group

Iran on Sunday designated the United Kingdom's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as "terrorist organisations" and classified Britain's foreign intelligence agency MI6 as a "hostile group", marking a fresh escalation in tensions between Tehran and London amid the continuing fallout from the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced the measures in a statement issued on November 1, saying the decisions were taken under a resolution approved by the country's Supreme National Security Council. Tehran described the move as retaliation for what it called hostile actions undertaken by the British government over the past year.

The ministry specifically cited Britain's alleged involvement in the US-Israeli military operations against Iran and London's decision in July to bring the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the UK's State Threats Act 2026.

𝗠𝗜𝟲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽

Announcing the first measure, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, would be classified as a hostile group under the country's legislation dealing with espionage and cooperation with hostile foreign governments.

The designation came into effect immediately upon publication of the statement.

The ministry said MI6 would be subject to provisions of Iran's law on enhancing punishments for espionage and cooperation with Israel and hostile countries against national security and national interests.

The classification represents a significant diplomatic step against Britain's principal foreign intelligence agency, which is responsible for gathering intelligence and conducting overseas intelligence operations.

Iran did not provide details of specific actions that would follow the designation, but said the relevant provisions of its national security legislation would apply to the British agency.

𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝘆, 𝗥𝗔𝗙 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱

In a separate decision, Tehran designated the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations under an Iranian law originally introduced in response to the United States' designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the two British military branches would now fall within the scope of legislation governing countermeasures against the American decision.

The Royal Navy is responsible for Britain's maritime defence and naval operations, while the Royal Air Force conducts air defence, surveillance and combat missions.

Both services have maintained a presence in West Asia through various military deployments and security arrangements.

Tehran's decision places the British military organisations within its domestic counterterrorism framework, although the practical consequences for their operations and personnel remain unclear.

𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻'𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗦-𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹𝗶 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

The Iranian government accused Britain of facilitating military operations against the country by allowing the use of bases, logistical facilities and other infrastructure located within territories under British jurisdiction.

According to Tehran, such assistance amounted to participation in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

The ministry also referred to the British government's July 13 decision to place the IRGC under the State Threats Act 2026.

The British legislation allows authorities to impose restrictions on foreign state organisations considered threats to national security. The measures against the IRGC introduced penalties for individuals providing certain forms of support or assistance to the organisation.

Iran has rejected Britain's action against the IRGC, which is a major component of the country's armed forces, and described the decision as an infringement of its sovereignty.

Tehran maintained that Sunday's measures were a direct response to London's policies and were intended to protect Iranian national security interests.

𝗧𝗲𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆

In its statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Britain of pursuing policies contrary to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly those relating to national sovereignty and restrictions on unlawful actions against other countries.

The ministry maintained that the designations were consistent with international law and had been adopted under the principle of reciprocity.

It also warned that the British government would bear responsibility for the consequences of the measures.

Iran reaffirmed its determination to take steps it considered necessary to safeguard national security and protect its interests against external threats.

The British government's response to the latest designations was not immediately available.

𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮

The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel following military hostilities that began earlier this year.

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory Iranian attacks and raising concerns over regional security and international energy supplies.

The conflict has also intensified scrutiny of foreign military installations and logistical support arrangements across West Asia.

Separately, Iranian military officials have warned that any renewed confrontation with the United States could extend beyond the immediate region.

Iranian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia recently warned that another American attack would invite a wider military response, claiming that the country's military doctrine had shifted towards a more offensive approach.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have continued over the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime passage for international energy shipments.

Iranian officials have linked progress on the waterway to demands concerning sanctions and the American military presence in the region, while Washington has maintained pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme and regional activities.

Against this backdrop, Iran's decision to blacklist Britain's naval and air forces and classify MI6 as a hostile group adds another source of friction to already strained relations between Tehran and London.