Iran designates UK Royal Navy, RAF 'terrorist organisations', terms MI6 'hostile group' amid war with US: Report

Iran's foreign ministry reportedly announced on Sunday that it had designated the UK's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) as "terrorist organisations". The move comes a month after a security incident at RAF Fairford airbase, which UK PM Andy Burnham suggested was linked to Iran.

Men drive past a banner showing a portrait of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran. (Representative Image/AP)Earlier, two men appeared in a London court charged under Britain's National Security Act over last month's security incident at RAF Fairford.

Prosecutors alleged that one of the men attempted to assist Iranian intelligence operations, according to Reuters. Furthermore, Iran's foreign ministry also said that it had classified Britain's MI6 as a "hostile group," Iran International reported.

Also Read | Iran warns US, Israel of 'immediate' retaliation if attacks resume The statement further characterised the move against the Royal Navy and RAF as a reciprocal step in response to Washington's designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, it said.

Tehran said the decision was prompted by what it termed a series of hostile actions by Britain over the past year. These included permitting the use of military and logistical facilities on British soil during the war and bringing the IRGC under the UK's State Threats Act in July, the report added.

The ministry further stated that MI6 would be subject to an Iranian law on espionage with Israel and other nations. Also Read | Trump, Netanyahu speak as US weighs renewed military action against Iran RAF Fairford, in England, was used by US bombers to carry out strikes on Iran, but they were withdrawn on security grounds after several British men were arrested outside the base on September 27, Reuters further reported.

Earlier this month, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said that the activity at the base was likely to have been coordinated in Iran; however, Tehran's ambassador to Britain denied the charges. Also Read | 'Would I tell you?' Trump snaps at reporter when asked about possible fresh US strikes against Iran The US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on February 28 this year, killing its then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other key leaders.

Following this, Tehran targeted US and Israeli interests in the region while tightening its grip over the key waterway, the Strait of Hormuz. Since the beginning of the war, global concerns regarding regional security and energy prices have remained high.

Anushka Awasthi is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she covers politics, geopolitics, and major national and international developments. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi.

Passionate about India's political landscape, Anushka believes that politics shapes every aspect of society, from public policy to everyday life. This drives her to deliver timely, accurate, and researched news that helps readers make sense of everyday developments.

Before joining Hindustan Times, Anushka worked with the Zee News English website, reporting extensively on Indian politics and international affairs. During her tenure, she also wrote a range of interviews and analytical stories, focusing on key political and international affairs events.

Her reporting is driven by a strong interest in journalism and a dedication to balanced reporting. She strives to present news with clarity and context in the digital era. She aims to ensure that readers stay informed about issues that matter.

Outside the newsroom, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure to various corners of India, reading classical books, and binging sitcoms. A coffee enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new places and experiences.Read More