Iran has declared European armies “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the European Union’s designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization over its crackdown on protests.

Iran’s parliament speaker accused Europe of acting under U.S. influence and against its own interests.

The EU said the move was a response to violent repression during nationwide protests that erupted in late December, with human rights groups reporting thousands of deaths.

Tensions have escalated further amid U.S. military pressure, Iranian warnings of retaliation, and planned military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Iran’s Supreme Leader said Tehran does not seek war but would respond forcefully to any attack, warning such a conflict would spread across the region.