EU Imposes New Sanctions on Iran, Moves to Designate IRGC as Terrorist Association
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The European Union significantly escalated its pressure on Iran on Thursday, adopting new sanctions targeting those involved in the violent suppression of protests and Tehran’s material support for Russia. In a landmark move, EU foreign ministers are poised to formally designate the Islamic revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a decision that would align the powerful Iranian military force with groups like Islamic state and al Qaeda.
the sanctions, announced by EU diplomats, will impact individuals and entities within the Iranian government, judiciary, police forces, and the IRGC itself.The measures also target those responsible for widespread internet censorship within the country.
Escalating Response to Domestic Crackdown and Regional Support
The decision to broaden sanctions and pursue the IRGC’s designation comes after a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests earlier this month, reportedly resulting in the deaths of thousands. This escalation marks a decisive shift in Europe’s approach to Iran’s leadership, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward human rights abuses and destabilizing regional actions.
“If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist,” stated european Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas ahead of the ministerial gathering in Brussels. this sentiment underscores the EU’s determination to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
The IRGC: A Powerful Force Within Iran
Established following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC has evolved into a dominant force within Iran, wielding considerable influence over the nation’s economy, armed forces, and political landscape. The organization also controls Iran’s sensitive ballistic missile and nuclear programs,raising concerns about regional security and proliferation.
While some EU member states have long advocated for the IRGC’s inclusion on the EU’s terrorist list, others previously expressed reservations, citing concerns about hindering diplomatic interaction and perhaps endangering European citizens residing in Iran. However, the severity of the recent crackdown appears to have overcome these objections.
Overcoming Reluctance and Maintaining Dialog
France and Italy, which had previously been hesitant to support the IRGC’s designation, reportedly lent thier backing this week, demonstrating a unified front against Iran’s actions. Despite the potential for a complete breakdown in relations, Kallas indicated that diplomatic channels are expected to remain open even after the IRGC is formally listed. “The estimate is that still the diplomatic channels will remain open, even af
Why: The EU imposed new sanctions and is moving to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization due to Iran’s violent suppression of protests and its support for Russia.
Who: The key players are the European Union, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard corps (IRGC). Individuals and entities within the Iranian government, judiciary, police forces, and those responsible for internet censorship are also impacted.
What: The EU is implementing sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to the crackdown on protests and support for Russia, and is poised to formally designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
how did it end?: The article doesn’t detail a final outcome,but indicates the EU is moving forward with the designation and expects to maintain diplomatic channels despite the escalation. The decision to designate the IRGC was solidified after France and Italy offered their support, overcoming previous reluctance.
