Iran warned on Thursday that the European Union would "shoot itself in the foot" if it designated the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, Reuters reported.
"We have repeatedly said the Revolutionary Guards are a formal and sovereign organization whose role is central for guaranteeing Iran's security," Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said during a phone call to the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell.
"Steps taken by the European Parliament to list the organization as terrorist are in a way a shot in the foot of Europe itself," he added, according to Reuters.
The comments came a day after the European Parliament called for the EU to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization, blaming the force for the repression of protesters and the supply of drones to Russia.
In a text backed by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers, the European Parliament condemned "the brutal crackdown by Iran, including the IRGC, on the demonstrations after the death of Mahsa Amini, following her violent arrest, abuse and ill-treatment by Iran's 'morality police'".
A total of 598 members of the parliament voted in favor, while nine voted against and 31 abstained.
The European Parliament has no power to compel the EU to add the IRGC to its list, but the text proposed by Polish conservative lawmaker Anna Fotyga represented a clear political message to Tehran.
Designating the IRGC as a terrorist group would mean that it would be considered a criminal offense by the EU to belong to it, and any of its assets in the bloc would be frozen. It would also not be able to receive funds from EU citizens or businesses.
Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces, which coordinates activities between Iran's conventional army and the Revolutionary Guards, also warned the EU on Thursday not to list Guards as a terrorist organization, Iran's official news agency IRNA said.
"The recent action of the European Parliament, besides having no precedent in international rules and regulations, will affect global as well as regional security and peace, and the European Parliament should be aware of such consequences," the General Staff of the Armed Forces' statement read.
Protests have gripped Iran following the September 16 death of 22-year-old Amini after she was arrested by the morality police.
Hundreds of protesters have been killed in the nationwide unrest, including dozens of minors. In addition, Iranian authorities have executed several people who were convicted of involvement in the protests.
Wednesday’s vote came days after German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that it is important that the EU blacklist the IRGC as a terrorist organization.