Iran has designated the naval and air forces of all European Union member states as terrorist organizations, state media reported Sunday, marking a sharp escalation in tensions following the EU's recent classification of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a terrorist entity. The move comes amid heightened regional friction after controversial remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee about Middle East territorial claims.
President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized national unity during a televised address Saturday, stating: "We will make efforts and will not bow before any difficulties" in ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. His call for cohesion follows two rounds of indirect talks focused on sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program.
The diplomatic crisis intensified Friday when Ambassador Huckabee asserted Israel's "biblical right" to control most of the Middle East during a media interview. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit condemned the remarks as "highly extremist," while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud warned they "threaten international peace and security."
Analysts suggest the developments could complicate efforts to maintain the fragile Gaza ceasefire and revive regional peace initiatives. The EU has yet to formally respond to Iran's retaliatory designation.
