In brief
The European Union has officially added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list, a response provoked by the agency's violent repression of recent protests in Iran. The bloc's top diplomat emphasized that actions against civilians will not be tolerated, while Iranian officials criticized the decision as misguided. This historic classification means the IRGC will face sanctions similar to those imposed on established terror organizations.
The European Union has added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list in response to Tehran's deadly crackdown on protesters in recent weeks. Repression cannot go unanswered, the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated, indicating that the move ranks the IRGC, a powerful military force in Iran, alongside groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the EU's decision, branding it a 'stunt' and a 'major strategic mistake.' Human rights organizations report that thousands of protesters have been killed during recent unrest, with security forces, including the IRGC, responsible for the violence.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot referred to the ongoing oppression in Iran as the most violent repression in Iran's modern history, declaring that there can be no impunity for such crimes.In a significant policy shift, France had previously hesitated to list the IRGC as a terror organization due to concerns about diplomatic relations with Tehran. However, backed by Italy, France has now supported the blacklisting of the IRGC, which has been accused of significant violence against demonstrators.In total, the EU imposed new sanctions on six entities and 15 individuals in Iran, including senior officials involved in the repression of protests. Such sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes aimed at dismantling support networks for terror organizations.The IRGC, established shortly after the 1979 revolution, is Iran's most potent military force with roughly 190,000 active personnel and a role in overseeing Iran's strategic weapons. It extends its influence by supporting allied governments and armed groups while also suppressing dissent within Iran through the Basij Resistance Force.Previously, other countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States have designated the IRGC as a terror organization, but it remains unclassified in the UK. The decision by the EU comes as concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program grow, with recent statements from US President Donald Trump indicating a significant military presence aimed at deterring any aggression from Iran.
