Iran on Thursday said the EU would "shoot itself in the foot" by listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation as the European Parliament voted unanimously to recommend sanctions on senior officials.
"We have repeatedly said the Revolutionary Guard are a formal and sovereign organisation whose role is central for guaranteeing Iran's security," state media reported, quoting Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian speaking to EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.
"Steps taken by the European Parliament to list the organisation as terrorist are in a way a shot in the foot of Europe itself."
Mr Amirabdollahian’s remarks came a day after MEPs voted in an amendment to an annual foreign policy report to urge the EU to blacklist the IRGC, the ideological arm of Iran's armed forces.
The EU blames the IRGC for the repression of protesters in Iran and the supply of drones to Russian troops in Ukraine.
The vote is non-binding but it comes as EU foreign ministers are due to discuss tightening sanctions on Tehran at a meeting in Brussels next week.
Widespread anti-government demonstrations erupted in Iran in September after the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, who was detained over allegedly flouting the strict dress code for women.
The European Parliament condemned the crackdown on protesters by Iran's security forces, which include the IRGC.
Kyiv and its western allies accuse Iran of delivering combat drones to Russia for use in the war on Ukraine it launched last February, an allegation Tehran denies.
"It is necessary to respect mutual security in the world of diplomacy and increase mutual trust, instead of following the language of threats and unfriendly actions. In any case of a terrorist listing, Iran will take reciprocal measures," Mr Amirabdollahian said.
Iran and world powers, including EU members France and Germany, have been negotiating since 2021 to revive a 2015 nuclear deal, with discussions deadlocked since September.
MEFCC information
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'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
MATCH INFO
Liverpool 2 (Van Dijk 18', 24')
Brighton 1 (Dunk 79')
Red card: Alisson (Liverpool)
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
Scotland v Ireland:
Scotland (15-1): Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones, Sam Johnson, Sean Maitland; Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (capt); Josh Strauss, James Ritchie, Ryan Wilson; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Simon Berghan, Stuart McInally, Allan Dell
Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, D'arcy Rae, Ben Toolis, Rob Harley, Ali Price, Pete Horne, Blair Kinghorn
Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)
Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour
Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)
