Iranian Parliament Calls for Action Against the West

During a parliamentary session that aired on state media, Iranian lawmakers chanted, “Death to America! Death to Israel!” Notably, Speaker Mohammad Berger Ghalibaf, dressed in a uniform of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, led the chanting. This happened after a vote to classify the armed forces of certain European nations as a “terrorist group,” a direct response to the European Union’s recent blacklisting of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The session showcased a showing of solidarity from Iran’s top officials towards the Revolutionary Guards, emphasizing their loyalty. The Revolutionary Guards flag was prominently displayed alongside a banner proclaiming it as the “world’s largest ‘anti-terrorism’ organization.”

Ghalibaf stated, “According to article 7 of the Retaliation Measures Law, the armed forces of European countries are now categorized as a terrorist group. The European Union will bear the consequences of this action.” He criticized European countries for acting “in blind obedience to the Americans,” claiming they were acting against their people’s interests.

This display followed the EU’s designation of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kalas. She referred to the Iranian government’s harsh repression of protests, arguing that such actions could not go unanswered. Kalas remarked that governments that harm their own citizens are inevitably heading toward their demise.

The Revolutionary Guards, established post-Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, operate independently of the regular military and directly answer to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They maintain considerable influence over Iran’s political, economic, and military spheres, overseeing missile and nuclear programs while also supporting proxy groups known for regional terrorism.

It’s worth noting that the United States designated the Revolutionary Guards as a foreign terrorist organization in 2019, an unprecedented move against a segment of another nation’s military. This decision was made amid ongoing attacks on U.S. forces by Iranian-backed militants.

The chant “Death to America” has long been a part of the Iranian regime’s rhetoric, and its resurgence in parliament underlines a renewed commitment to confrontational politics, especially as the regime feels emboldened amidst perceived Western weaknesses.

In June, Iranian officials also chanted “Death to America” following U.S. actions that escalated tensions over nuclear enrichment, which were seen as potentially leading to a regional conflict. The following month, a Revolutionary Guards propaganda video specifically targeted President Trump, directly contradicting previous claims that the slogan was about U.S. policies rather than individuals.

These practices have included videos depicting threats against U.S. officials, particularly following the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020. The environment in Iran is currently strained, with mass arrests underway aimed at suppressing protests amidst growing dissatisfaction with the government.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei recently warned that any U.S. attack on Iran would lead to a broader regional conflict. He dismissed the presence of U.S. troops and emphasized that Iran would retaliate strongly to any aggression.

Iranian officials have reiterated that any attack on its leaders would provoke immediate responses in the region, including against Israel, despite indications that the Iranian government might tone down its responses. Analysts suggest that military engagement is not a question of “if,” but “when,” especially with heightened U.S. military visibility and regional allies on alert. With the Trump administration at a critical juncture, the stakes are high.