ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iran’s armed forces on Thursday condemned the European Union for designating the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization earlier in the day, calling the move “illogical, irresponsible, and vindictive.”

“The illogical, irresponsible, and vindictive action of the European Union has undoubtedly been taken in blind obedience to the hegemonic and inhumane policies of America and the Zionist regime, and expresses the depth of hostility and hatred of the leaders of this bloc toward the wise Iranian nation, the armed forces, security, and independence of the powerful country of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran said, according to state media.

It accused the EU of taking the decision with “complete shamelessness and brazenness” to satisfy US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahi.

“The sacrifices of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran in fighting terrorist groups including ISIS and the Mujahedin (MEK)—who were under the direct support of American and European leaders—are clear evidence of the irreplaceable role of this revolutionary institution in ensuring regional peace and security,” it said.

Earlier in the day, the EU announced designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization for “serious human rights violations” during crackdowns on nationwide protests and Tehran’s continued backing for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

"Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in response to the move.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday called the decision a “major strategic mistake,” stressing that Brussels is “busy fanning the flames.”

“Several countries are presently attempting to avert the eruption of all-out war in our region. None of them are European,” Araghchi wrote on X.

“Putting aside the blatant hypocrisy of its selective outrage—taking zero action in response to Israel's Genocide in Gaza and yet rushing to ‘defend human rights’ in Iran—Europe’s PR stunt mainly seeks to cloak that it is an actor in severe decline.”

Iran has been rocked by nationwide protests since late last year, which have spread to the majority of provinces and increasingly targeted the government. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported that Iranian security forces have killed more than 6,100 protesters.

The EU reiterated its support for the Iranian people, saying it “expresses its solidarity with the Iranian people as they voice their legitimate aspiration for freedom and dignity, and for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, protected, and fulfilled.”

The Iranian military “while emphasizing its firm determination in decisive combat against terrorist groups, warns that the dangerous consequences of this hostile and provocative decision will fall directly on European policymakers,” it asserted.

Trump has also repeatedly threatened to intervene in Iran if protesters are killed. He later took a wait-and-see approach, saying that Iran had halted 800 executions. Iran later rejected the claim. 

Tehran and Washington have traded jabs ever since the protests erupted, with increasing reports of military movement in the Persian Gulf from both sides.