EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a Terrorist Organization

European Ministers Unanimously Designate IRGC as Terrorist Organization

The European Union has taken a definitive stance by officially labeling Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. This decision follows concerted advocacy efforts and comes in response to the Iranian government’s severe suppression of protestors.

Anticipation for this resolution grew as countries that initially resisted the move signaled a shift in their stance in recent days.

EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, addressed the media in Brussels, emphasizing the accountability of Iran’s security forces for extensive violence. Kallas remarked, “Iran’s security forces are responsible for mass killings,” and advocated for the inclusion of the IRGC on the EU terrorist list.

Kallas asserted, “This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh (ISIS),” underscoring the gravity of the IRGC’s actions. “If you act as a terrorist, you should be treated as a terrorist,” she stated.

Expressing her views on social media, Kallas posted, “Repression cannot go unanswered,” and announced the EU’s decisive action, adding, “Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar celebrated the EU’s decision in a Hebrew social media post, describing it as a significant and historic moment, and affirming Israel’s ongoing efforts to oppose the IRGC.

France’s support for the IRGC designation was confirmed on Wednesday. The French government, through Agence France-Presse (AFP), announced its backing, with French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemning the Iranian state’s violent actions and advocating for stricter sanctions.

Barrot emphasized the importance of addressing the impunity of those responsible for the violent repression and reiterated France’s support for the EU’s terrorism designation of the IRGC.

Hillel Neuer, the founder of UN Watch, who played a role in the lobbying efforts, also commended the EU’s decision on social media.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had previously indicated Italy’s readiness to support the IRGC’s inclusion on the terrorist list, announcing plans to propose it during the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

In addition to European efforts, U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to Kallas urging alignment between the EU, the United States, Canada, and Australia in recognizing the IRGC’s terrorist activities.

The letter highlighted the IRGC’s extensive acts of terrorism across the Middle East and Europe, citing cyberattacks, assassinations, and bombings in various European nations.

While the unanimous vote required for the IRGC’s designation presented a challenge, the recent change in position by countries like France, Italy, and potentially Spain, paved the way for this significant decision. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the Baltic states have been particularly vocal in their support.

The EU’s latest sanctions target individuals and organizations linked to Iran’s violent suppression of protests, reflecting a broader strategy to address the regime’s actions.

Amidst these developments, Iran has cautioned of potential “destructive consequences” should the IRGC be added to the EU’s terror list.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.