Iran Designates MI6 and British Military as Terrorist Entities

The Government of Iran designated the British intelligence agency MI6 as a hostile group and labeled the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations on November 1, 2026. Tehran stated these measures are reciprocal responses to a July 13 decision by the United Kingdom to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a threat under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.

Iranian officials further cited British participation in what they termed an illegal US-Israeli war and the provision of military bases to aggressors within British territories. The Foreign Ministry of Iran asserted that these designations comply with international law to safeguard national security.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the move during a press conference in Berlin, accusing Iran of having bare-faced cheek given its own history of state-sponsored terrorism and regional instability. While dismissing the charges against the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, Streeting stated that the UK continues to maintain diplomatic channels to work toward de-escalation in the Middle East.