Iran Designates UK Royal Navy and RAF as Terrorist Organisations, MI6 as Hostile Group

TEHRAN, November 1, 2026 — Iran’s Foreign Ministry has announced reciprocal measures against the United Kingdom, designating the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as “terrorist organisations” under Iranian law and classifying Britain’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, as a “hostile group”.

The announcement, issued on Sunday, November 1, follows escalating tensions between Tehran and London over Britain’s actions against Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the measures were adopted pursuant to a resolution of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and took effect upon publication of the statement.

What Iran has announced

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced two distinct measures:

MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service): Classified as a “hostile group” under Note 2 of Article 1 of Iran’s law concerning penalties for espionage and cooperation with hostile states against national security and national interests.
Royal Navy and Royal Air Force: Designated as “terrorist organisations” under Iranian legislation on reciprocal measures following the United States’ designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

The distinction matters: Iran has not described MI6 as a terrorist organisation in this announcement. It has classified the intelligence agency as a hostile group, while applying the terrorist designation to the two British military branches.

Why has Iran taken this step?

Tehran says the decision is a response to what it describes as hostile actions by the British government over the past year.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry specifically cited Britain’s decision on July 13, 2026, to bring the IRGC under the UK’s State Threats Act 2026.

Iran also accused the British government of participating in US-Israeli military operations against Iran by providing access to military bases, facilities and logistical support in territories under British jurisdiction.

These allegations are the Iranian government’s stated justification for its decision. They should be understood as claims made by Tehran, rather than independently established findings.

Iran invokes the principle of reciprocity

In its statement, Iran argued that Britain’s policies violated the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly respect for national sovereignty and the prohibition of unlawful measures against other states.

Tehran said its countermeasures were adopted under the principle of reciprocity and warned that the British government would bear responsibility for the consequences.

The announcement represents a further escalation in the diplomatic confrontation between the two countries, with intelligence and military institutions now directly named in reciprocal legal measures.

What does this mean internationally?

Iran’s announcement is a designation made under Iranian domestic law. It does not automatically mean that the United Nations or other countries recognise the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations.

Likewise, Iran’s classification of MI6 as a hostile group does not create an internationally binding designation.

The practical consequences will depend on how Iranian authorities implement these measures. The announcement does not, by itself, establish what specific restrictions or enforcement actions will follow.

The development raises broader questions about reciprocal state designations, the treatment of foreign military institutions under domestic security laws, and the potential consequences for diplomatic relations.

The bigger picture

The dispute highlights how decisions taken by one government against another country’s military or intelligence institutions can trigger retaliatory measures.

Britain’s actions against the IRGC and Iran’s response against British institutions are part of a wider confrontation involving security policy, military cooperation and competing interpretations of international law.

For now, the key facts are clear: Iran has classified MI6 as a hostile group and designated the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations under Iranian law. The two classifications are different, and neither should be confused with a universally recognised international designation.

Sources & References

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Sabse sach, sabse pahle.

Iran Designates UK’s Royal Navy and RAF as ‘Terrorist Organisations’, Classifies MI6 as a ‘Hostile Group’