Iran designates British institutions as 'hostile' and 'terrorist' in retaliatory move

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced restrictive measures against key British military and intelligence institutions, citing hostile policies from London and support for operations against Iran. Effective November 1, 2026, Tehran has categorized the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) as a "hostile entity," while designating both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force as "terrorist organizations." Iran states that these actions are based on the principle of reciprocity, following the British government's decision to bring the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps under its state threats legislation—a move previously announced by UK Security Minister Angela Eagle in July.