Brussels [Belgium], January 30 (HBTV): European Union foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, placing it in the same category as groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda, marking a significant shift in the bloc’s stance towards Iran’s leadership, The Times of Israel reported.
Reacting to the decision, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said repression could not go unanswered, adding that any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working towards its own demise.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the move as historic, while an Israeli official said the designation would make it easier to prosecute IRGC members, according to the report.
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of the IRGC’s role within Iran. Established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to safeguard the Shi’ite clerical system, the IRGC holds significant influence over Iran’s economy and armed forces and oversees the country’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.
Although some EU member states had long pushed for the designation, others were previously cautious, citing concerns that it could disrupt dialogue with Tehran and place European citizens at risk. Momentum reportedly increased following a violent crackdown on nationwide anti-regime protests earlier this month that allegedly killed thousands.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said it was important to send a signal that the bloodshed and violence used against protesters could not be tolerated. France and Italy, which had earlier been reluctant, backed the move this week, while Israel welcomed what it described as the culmination of years of diplomatic efforts.
Sa’ar said Israel had worked for years towards this outcome, intensifying efforts in recent weeks, and described the IRGC as the primary force behind the spread of terror and regional destabilisation. He said the decision would help curb such activities in Europe and send an important message to Iranians fighting for their freedom.
Iran reacted sharply to the announcement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the EU’s decision, calling it a major strategic mistake that would fuel conflict. He said several countries were attempting to prevent a wider regional war, while Europe was instead fanning the flames. Referring to the return of UN sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, he said the designation of Iran’s national military as a terrorist organisation was another serious misstep.
From Israel’s perspective, the designation carries concrete legal implications. An Israeli official said the move would give the EU stronger tools to act against Iran, noting that while the IRGC and its members already face EU sanctions over human rights abuses, weapons of mass destruction and drones, the new status would simplify legal action by requiring authorities to prove affiliation with the IRGC rather than involvement in a specific plot.
The official added that asset freezes would become easier and that cooperation between European law enforcement agencies, including through Europol, would be strengthened, potentially deterring criminal networks from assisting the IRGC.
Germany reportedly played a key role in persuading countries including Italy, France, Spain and Portugal to support the designation, with other EU members later joining. Outreach focused on concerns ranging from alleged terror activity in Europe to arms transfers, proxy operations and human rights violations.
Despite the tougher stance, EU officials said diplomatic engagement with Tehran would continue. Kallas said Europe expects communication channels with Iran to remain open, while Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the decision did not rule out continued dialogue.
Alongside the IRGC designation, the EU also imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and six entities over serious human rights violations in Iran, including senior officials and IRGC commanders. Additional measures targeted organisations linked to censorship, online disinformation, and Iran’s drone and missile programmes, with export restrictions extended on components used in UAV and missile production, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI)