European Union Nears Decision to Brand Iran's Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Organization
The European Union is moving decisively toward designating Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a significant escalation in international pressure against Tehran. This development comes amid mounting global condemnation of Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which human rights activists report has resulted in at least 6,373 fatalities.
EU Foreign Ministers Expected to Approve Terror Listing
EU foreign ministers are anticipated to reach agreement on Thursday to place the IRGC on the bloc's official terror blacklist. This action would align Iran's elite military force with notorious terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (Daesh). EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the rationale behind this move during a briefing ahead of crucial meetings in Brussels.
"If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as terrorists," Kallas told journalists. "This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, Daesh."
Geopolitical Tensions and International Pressure
The EU's decision unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical pressure on Iran. The United States has reinforced its military presence in the Middle East, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier along with guided-missile destroyers. Meanwhile, Iran has issued threats of pre-emptive strikes and retaliation against US bases and Israel, according to Associated Press reports.
Former US President Donald Trump has maintained that military force remains a viable option following disturbing reports of mass executions and the killing of peaceful demonstrators in Iran.
Economic Consequences and Diplomatic Shifts
The terror designation would compound existing economic strain on Iran, whose currency plummeted to a historic low of 1.6 million rials to the dollar on Thursday. Economic hardship initially sparked the protests before they evolved into a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership.
Under EU regulations, sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Notably, France and Italy—previously hesitant due to concerns about Europeans detained in Iran and the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels—have now signaled their support for the measures.
"There can be no impunity for the crimes committed," declared French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. "In Iran, the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered."
Barrot further urged Tehran to release detainees, halt executions, and lift internet restrictions, as reported by AFP.
Additional Sanctions and Human Rights Concerns
Alongside the terror listing, the European Union is expected to approve visa bans and asset freezes targeting 21 Iranian officials and entities. These measures potentially include Iran's interior minister, whom the EU accuses of orchestrating brutal repression against protesters.
The IRGC, established after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the clerical establishment, has grown into a dominant force across Iran's military, political, and economic spheres. Its volunteer Basij force is believed to have played a central role in suppressing protests, with numerous videos showing armed personnel firing directly at demonstrators.
According to US-based human rights activists, at least 6,373 people have been killed during the crackdown, including 5,993 protesters and 113 children. More than 42,450 arrests have been documented. While Iran's government has acknowledged over 3,000 deaths, claiming many were security personnel or "terrorists," human rights organizations strongly dispute this account.
Symbolic Yet Significant Escalation
Although the IRGC and its senior commanders already face EU sanctions, analysts observe that formally branding the organization as terrorist represents a largely symbolic but politically meaningful escalation. This move signals Europe's strongest condemnation to date of Tehran's actions and could have far-reaching diplomatic implications.
The decision reflects growing international consensus that Iran's response to protests warrants unprecedented measures, potentially reshaping Europe's relationship with Tehran for years to come.
