Iran declares UK navy, air force 'terrorist' groups, puts MI6 in hostile list

The Iranian foreign ministry accused Britain of supporting military operations against Tehran, particularly by facilitating access to bases

Iran has designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as "terrorist organisations" and classified its foreign intelligence agency, MI6, as a "hostile group", in a retaliatory move that marks a fresh escalation in tensions between Tehran and London. The decision brings Britain's military and intelligence establishments under the scanner of Iranian security laws amid the ongoing confrontation over the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

According to news agency ANI, Iran's foreign ministry announced the measures on Sunday, accusing Britain of supporting military operations against Tehran by providing access to its bases and logistical facilities. The ministry also cited Britain's July decision to bring Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under its State Threats Act 2026, describing the move as part of London's hostile actions against the Islamic Republic.

In its statement, Iran's foreign ministry described Britain's actions against Tehran as "hostile and unlawful", accusing London of violating the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. The ministry said the decision was a response to Britain's actions over the past year, including its alleged involvement in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran through the provision of military bases, facilities and logistical support.

Defending the latest measures, the ministry said they had been adopted "in accordance with the principles of international law and within the framework of the principle of reciprocity". It further warned that "the British government will bear responsibility for the consequences of this action", holding London accountable for the fallout from the decision.

The latest development is significant as Iran has extended its retaliatory action beyond Britain's conventional armed forces to its foreign intelligence establishment, classifying MI6 as a "hostile group". MI6, formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), is Britain's foreign intelligence agency responsible for gathering intelligence overseas and identifying threats to the country's national security. It operates outside the UK, collecting information on foreign governments, terrorist networks, espionage activities and other potential security threats, and provides intelligence to the British government.