03.11.2026 06:20
London reacted sharply to Iran's designation of the UK Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations. Speaking in Berlin, the British defense official described Iran's decision as 'utter shamelessness' and said he would hang newspaper clippings about the accusations in his toilet. The official, who also sent a message to Russia, emphasized that they were ready to defend every centimeter of NATO territory.
The defense officials of Britain and Germany held a joint press conference after their talks in Berlin. The meeting also addressed Iran's designation of the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as a terrorist organization.
The British official, who sharply criticized Iran's decision, argued that the Tehran administration supports activities that undermine regional stability. Stating that Iran's accusations were not worth responding to, he said, "I am only interested in hanging the newspaper clippings about these accusations in my downstairs toilet as a medal."
The British official, claiming that Iran is fueling regional instability, described its making such an accusation as "utter brazenness."
"WE ARE NOT SEEKING WAR WITH RUSSIA"
Speaking at the press conference, the British official also touched on the Russia-Ukraine war and said that Europe is facing a level of threat not seen since the end of the Cold War. Noting that the threat is growing, he stressed that NATO countries need to strengthen their defense capabilities, defense industry cooperation, and solidarity within the alliance.
The official accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of continuing the fighting in Ukraine despite saying he does not want war, and argued that Moscow could end the war whenever it wanted.
"Moscow must understand that we are ready to defend every single centimeter of NATO territory," the British official said, describing Russia's provocations against Europe and its aggressive posture as state-sponsored terrorism.
He also stated that Britain is not seeking war with Russia, and said their aim is to deter Moscow.
"NO DECISION CAN BE MADE WITHOUT UKRAINE"
Emphasizing that their support for Ukraine will continue, the British official stated that the war must be ended through diplomatic means, but that any agreement must be accepted by Ukraine.
"A decision about Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine at a table where Ukraine is not present," he said, noting that the Kyiv administration must be involved in the negotiation process.
Noting that Ukraine's defense is directly linked to Europe's security, the official said that the war has caused heavy material and moral losses to both Ukraine and Russia.
DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS WITH IRAN WILL BE KEPT OPEN
The British official claimed that after US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Tehran targeted neighboring countries that had nothing to do with the conflicts. He also recalled allegations of an attack on Fairford Air Base, which the US uses in Britain.
Despite his harsh criticism of Iran, the official emphasized that they favor a diplomatic solution and said Britain is trying to keep communication channels with Tehran open. He stated that tensions in the region must be reduced and diplomatic efforts must continue.
IRAN DESIGNATED TWO BRITISH MILITARY FORCES AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION
In a statement published on November 1, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had designated the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as a "terrorist organization" and the British foreign intelligence service MI6 as a "hostile group."
The Tehran administration reported that the decision was taken in response to Britain's steps against Iran over the past year. The statement drew attention to Britain's inclusion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps within the scope of the 2026 State Threats Act.
Iran argued that the decision entered into force as of November 1, 2026, and was taken within the framework of international law and the principle of reciprocity.