Iranian Army backs IRGC, slams UK Parliament's banning of elite force

Iran's Army has condemned the UK Parliament's move to ban the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), condemning the decision as a reflection of Britain's “malice, hypocrisy, and double standards” in addressing terrorism.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Public Relations Office of the Iranian Army slammed Britain for having “a long and dark history” of creating divisions, fostering sectarianism, and supporting terrorism in West Asia.

The recent action by the UK Parliament in labeling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) despite it being one of the world's largest anti-terrorism forces - stems from the “malice, hypocrisy, and double standards of British officials in confronting the scourge of terrorism around the world,” it said.

The Army stressed that the IRGC has long been “at the forefront of the fight against terrorism”, emphasizing that its record in combating militant groups in West Asia and protecting Iran's national and regional security demonstrates its role in counterterrorism efforts.

“The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has consistently been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, and its historical record in combating terrorism in the West Asia region and safeguarding Iran's national and regional security stand as clear evidence of the Guards' and their personnel's tireless and selfless efforts,” the statement read.

The IRGC has served not only as a military force but also as a social and cultural force, providing valuable services over the years to the Iranian nation and neighboring countries, and has always supported Muslims and the oppressed, the Army further stressed.

It also criticized Israel, the United States, and European governments, stressing that that they have supported terrorist groups in pursuit of their objectives.

“Such reckless actions by the UK Parliament come at a time when Britain - the old colonial power - has a long and dark history of creating divisions, fostering sectarianism, and supporting terrorism in the West Asia region. Alongside European governments and the United States, the Zionist regime is regarded not only as one of the world's largest supporters of terrorism but it has also advanced its sinister objectives by backing terrorist groups in the region,” the Army said.

Iran denounces UK's threat designation of IRGC as ‘unjustified, irresponsible, against intl. law’

The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the British government

Reaffirming solidarity between the Army and the IRGC, the statement said both forces remain united under the command of Iran's Commander-in-Chief in confronting threats and aggression against Iran, and expressed hope for the continued success of IRGC personnel.

“While condemning the UK Parliament's recent action against the devoted personnel of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, the Public Relations Office of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the solidarity of the Army and the IRGC, under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in confronting the threats, dangers, and aggression of the sworn enemies of the Iranian nation and the sacred establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also prays for ever-increasing success for its comrades in the IRGC,” the Army added.

The statement came two days after British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that the IRGC would be designated a “national security threat under new powers in the National Security (State Threats) Act,” making support for the elite force a “criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.”

On Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the British government's highly provocative and controversial move as an “unjustified and irresponsible” measure that violates international law.

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