The European Union has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization in response to the regime’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, a largely symbolic move meant to increase pressure on Tehran.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the move puts the Guard on the same level as al-Qaida, Hamas, and ISIS, condemning its role in killing thousands of protesters.

The U.S. and Canada had previously applied similar designations, while the U.S. has also positioned naval forces in the region amid ongoing tensions.

Iran warned of a live-fire drill in the Strait of Hormuz next week, potentially disrupting global oil traffic, and dismissed the EU action as a “PR stunt,” the AP has reported.

Officials warn the designation could exacerbate energy price spikes and regional instability, while the threat of U.S. military action remains uncertain.