Tehran:Iran has officially designated Britain's intelligence service MI6 as a 'hostile group' and labeled the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as 'terrorist organizations.' This move is a retaliatory response to what Tehran describes as London's malicious actions against the Islamic Republic.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced these measures on Sunday, citing Britain's involvement in the US-Israeli conflict against Iran and its recent decision to classify the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) under the State Threats Act 2026. The decisions were made following a resolution by Iran's Supreme National Security Council in response to Britain's actions over the past year.

The designation of MI6, formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), as a 'hostile group' is based on Note 2 of Article 1 of Iran's Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries. This status took effect immediately upon the publication of the ministry's statement, applying the relevant legal provisions to the British agency.

Additionally, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have been classified under Iran's Law on Countermeasures against the United States' Designation of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization. Consequently, these branches of the British military are now considered terrorist organizations under Iranian law.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry justified these measures by citing Britain's provision of military and logistical support to the US-Israeli alliance against Iran. The ministry condemned these actions as violations of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly the principles of national sovereignty and the prohibition of unlawful actions against other nations.

Iran reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its national security and interests and emphasized that the measures were taken in accordance with international law and the principle of reciprocity. The statement concluded by asserting that the British government would be held accountable for the repercussions of these designations.