The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a significant policy shift amid rising concerns over human rights abuses and violent repression in Iran. Foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc reached unanimous political agreement in Brussels on Thursday to add the IRGC to the EU’s terrorism blacklist, a move that places the elite military force in the same category as groups like al-Qaida, Hamas and ISIS.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas underscored the bloc’s stance, saying on social media that “repression cannot go unanswered,” and stressing that any regime responsible for the deaths of its own citizens must face consequences. The designation comes in response to Tehran’s brutal crackdown on nationwide protests, which activists and rights groups report have resulted in thousands of deaths.
In addition to the IRGC listing, the EU imposed sanctions on at least 15 Iranian officials and six entities linked to human rights violations and repression, including travel bans and asset freezes. The decision builds on earlier measures taken by allies such as the United States, Canada and Australia, which had already listed the IRGC under similar terrorist designations.
Iran’s government condemned the move, calling it provocative and warning of potential consequences for EU-Iran relations. News as reported
