On 1 November 2026, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs designated the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as “terrorist organisations”. Tehran also designated the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) as a “hostile group”.
Iran’s stated reasons
Iran described the measures as reciprocal responses to what it called the British Government’s “illegal and hostile actions”. It cited the UK’s 13 July 2026 decision to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the State Threats Act 2026. Tehran also accused London of supporting a “US-Israeli war imposed on Iran” by providing military and logistical facilities and bases under British jurisdiction.
Laws invoked by Tehran
Iran said the designations were adopted under international law and the principle of reciprocity, and warned the British Government it would bear responsibility for the consequences. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force designations fall under Iran’s Law on Reciprocal Action Against the United States’ Designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization. The MI6 designation falls under Iran’s Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests.
Important Facts for Exams
- Air-service merger: The RAF emerged from the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service, establishing an independent air force.
- Foreign remit: MI6 is confined by statute to foreign intelligence work: it may conduct operations only against people outside the British Islands.
- Statutory oversight: The Intelligence Services Act 1994 first placed SIS on a statutory footing; parliamentary and tribunal bodies provide public oversight.
- Naval management chain: Royal Navy management is delegated by the Defence Council to the Admiralty Board, which directs the Navy Board.
