Iran accuses Britain of double standards over IRGC designation

Iran has strongly condemned the United Kingdom's decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a banned organization, accusing London of applying "hypocrisy and double standards" in its approach to counterterrorism.

In a statement issued by the Iranian Army's Public Relations Department, Tehran described the British government's move as "the result of deceit, hypocrisy, and double standards" in addressing terrorism.

The statement maintained that the IRGC's activities across the Middle East are focused on combating terrorism and protecting Iran's national and regional security.

The Iranian military also defended the corps' broader role, saying the IRGC has long performed not only military functions but also social and cultural missions. According to the statement, the force provides assistance to people in Iran and neighboring countries while supporting "Muslims and the oppressed."

The response comes after the United Kingdom formally designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a prohibited organization on July 13, marking a significant escalation in London's measures against the elite Iranian force.

By Vafa Guliyeva