Iran has designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations and classified MI6 as a hostile group under Iranian law, in a move announced by its Foreign Ministry on Sunday 1 November 2026. Tehran said the measures responded to British national-security policies and alleged support for US-Israeli operations against Iran. The Iranian designations do not amount to findings under British or international law.
Royal Navy and RAF designated under Iranian law
Iran's Foreign Ministry said both British armed services were designated under Iranian legislation introduced in response to the United States' designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The designation is an action under Iranian domestic law, not a finding under British or international law. Its practical consequences have not yet been fully explained.
MI6 classified separately as a hostile group
The Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, was separately classified as a hostile group under Iranian legislation concerning espionage and cooperation with entities Iran considers hostile. This is a distinct classification from the designation applied to the Royal Navy and RAF. Associated Press reported that the move could create legal risks for people accused by Iranian authorities of working with MI6.
Iran alleges British support for military operations
Tehran accused Britain of providing military facilities, bases and logistical support for US-Israeli operations against Iran. These are allegations made by the Iranian Government, not independently established findings. Iran's Foreign Ministry said the decisions were authorised by the country's Supreme National Security Council and took effect on 1 November 2026.
Britain’s measures against the IRGC cited
Iran also cited the British Government's 13 July 2026 decision to place the IRGC under the State Threats Act 2026. Tehran characterised its new measures as reciprocal action. The IRGC is part of Iran's military and security establishment and has been subject to sanctions and national-security measures imposed by Western governments.
What does the decision mean?
The Iranian announcement does not change the status of the Royal Navy, RAF or MI6 under UK law, nor does it amount to a declaration of war. It could nevertheless have diplomatic or legal consequences where Iranian authorities seek to apply their own legislation. No specific new prosecutions arising from the designation were identified in the announcement.
UK response and next steps
At the time of writing on 2 November, a new formal British Government response to the specific announcement had not been verified. Further developments could include statements from the Foreign Office or Ministry of Defence, diplomatic measures or clarification of how Iran intends to enforce its classifications. The immediate confirmed development is Iran's formal designation of the two military services and separate classification of MI6.