The EU has decided to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. With this, the Union targets a core component of the Iranian fundamentalist state apparatus and further tightens Brussels' stance towards Tehran.
In addition to this step, EU countries are working on a new sanctions list. This list will focus on politicians, officials, and power structures involved in suppressing protests. The measures expand upon already existing sanctions.
The decision was prompted by the violence against demonstrators in Iran. Multiple reports mention large-scale repression and a very high number of casualties during the protests of recent weeks.
EU representatives state that the response is necessary given the severity of the crackdown. According to them, an organization that systematically uses violence against civilians cannot remain unpunished.
The measures consist of a combination of instruments. These include travel restrictions, freezing of assets, and other financial sanctions against those involved.
The EU also links its actions to concerns about Iran's military activities. Several statements refer to the large quantities of drones and missiles that Iran supplies to Russia, which terrorizes the Ukrainian population with them.
Iranian authorities condemn the European decision, calling it politically motivated and unlawful. They warn that the step will have consequences for relations with Europe.
At the same time, the EU emphasized its support for the Iranian people. European leaders express their solidarity with the protesters and state that the measures are intended to stop violence, not to harm civilians.