Iran designates MI6 a hostile entity and Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force terrorist organisations

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced in a statement issued on 1 November 2026 that it has designated the United Kingdom's intelligence service MI6 a hostile entity, and Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force terrorist organisations.

The statement said the decision was taken in response to hostile actions carried out by the British government against Iran over the past year. According to the ministry, the measures were taken because of Britain's participation in the war against Iran and in response to the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

The ministry stressed that the measures were taken in accordance with international law and that the British government will bear responsibility for their consequences. The statement also said that, from the date of its publication, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force will be subject to the law of reciprocity.

On 13 July 2026, the British government announced that it was submitting draft regulations to Parliament to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under new state-threats powers. Under this designation, supporting or assisting the organisation is a criminal offence in the United Kingdom.

Tensions between the two countries rose further in October: on 12 October the United Kingdom summoned Iran's ambassador to the Foreign Office, and on 13 October the head of Britain's MI5 security service said Iran was targeting military sites in the country.