The European Union has taken a decisive step by formally listing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. This significant move comes after years of internal debate and division within the bloc, prompted by the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown on protesters. The designation marks a pivotal moment in the EU's foreign policy approach towards Tehran.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Condemns Repression
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, made a powerful statement on Thursday, declaring that "repression cannot go unanswered." She emphasised the paramilitary organisation's central role in suppressing demonstrations across Iran. In a post on social media platform X, Kallas warned that "any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise."
Concrete Legal Consequences
Hannah Neumann, chair of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with Iran, described the IRGC listing as a "long-overdue political signal that massive violence and transnational repression will no longer go unanswered." She clarified that this designation extends beyond symbolism, carrying substantial legal implications:
- Assets of designated individuals and entities will be frozen
- Providing financial or material support becomes a criminal offence
- Travel restrictions will be imposed on sanctioned individuals
Expanded Sanctions List
The EU has significantly expanded its sanctions regime against Iran, adding 15 government officials and 6 organisations to its list for their involvement in "serious human rights violations" during the repression of protesters. Among those sanctioned are:
- Eskandar Momeni, Iran's Minister of the Interior
- Several IRGC commanders
- Senior police and law enforcement officers
Sanctioned entities include the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority and multiple software companies engaged in censorship activities. These organisations have been involved in trolling campaigns on social media, spreading misinformation and disinformation, and deliberately disrupting internet access to suppress dissent.
Growing Sanctions Framework
With these latest additions, the EU has now sanctioned 247 individuals and 50 entities over human rights violations in Iran. Additionally, separate restrictions including asset freezes and travel bans have been imposed on Iranian people and organisations supporting Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
International Context and Reactions
The EU's decision follows recent statements from former US President Donald Trump, who warned Tehran to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme or face potential military action. Trump announced on social media that a "massive armada" was prepared to act "with speed and violence if necessary."
Russia, which has strengthened ties with Iran since its invasion of Ukraine, expressed concern about potential "destabilising" military action in the region. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned that "any forceful actions can only create chaos in the region and lead to very dangerous consequences in terms of destabilising the security system throughout the region."
Human Rights Crisis
Human rights organisations estimate that more than 30,000 people may have been killed in the latest wave of repression in Iran. Reports indicate a disturbing "revenge" campaign has been unleashed by the regime, with healthcare workers facing death sentences for treating injured protesters. The situation has been described as a humanitarian crisis of significant proportions.
Diplomatic Shifts Within the EU
The EU terror designation became possible after France dropped its longstanding opposition to the measure. Jean-Nöel Barrot, the French foreign minister, stated on X that "the unbearable repression of the peaceful uprising of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered." France had previously resisted designating the Iranian regime's state body, fearing it would damage diplomatic channels and endanger French citizens in the country.
Belgium, which had similar reservations, included support for the EU listing in its coalition agreement last year. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed his country's continued advocacy for the terror designation "particularly in light of the atrocities and repression that have been observed in recent weeks."
Iranian Response
Tehran's top diplomat strongly criticised the EU's decision, calling it a "major strategic mistake." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that "several countries are presently attempting to avert the eruption of all-out war in our region. Europe is instead busy fanning the flames." This response comes as Iran faces increased tensions with the United States, which has deployed additional military assets to the Middle East.
Background of the Revolutionary Guards
Established following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps represents an elite paramilitary force directly loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Operating separately from Iran's regular army, the IRGC commands approximately 150,000 ground troops along with its own naval and air force capabilities.
The organisation has previously been designated as a terrorist entity by several nations:
- The United States in 2019 during the first Trump administration
- Canada in 2024
- Australia in 2025
The EU's formal designation represents a significant escalation in international pressure on Iran's leadership and military apparatus, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations and security dynamics in the Middle East for years to come.
