AP � Iran�s lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a bill labeling U.S. forces in the Middle East as terrorist, a day after the U.S. terrorism designation for Iran�s Revolutionary Guard formally took effect.

State TV says Defense Minister Gen. Amir Hatami introduced the bill authorizing the government to act firmly in response to �terrorist actions� by U.S. forces. It demands authorities use �legal, political and diplomatic� measures to neutralize the American move, without elaborating.

The report said 204 lawmakers approved the bill, out of 207 present at Tuesday�s session in the 290-seat chamber. Two lawmakers voted against the bill and one abstained.

The Guard�s designation � the first-ever for an entire division of another government � adds another layer of sanctions to the powerful paramilitary force.