BRUSSELS: The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, condemning Tehran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests and escalating pressure on the Iranian leadership.
The decision was approved by foreign ministers of the 27-member bloc in Brussels and was described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as a long-awaited step against what she called brutal repression of Iranian citizens.
Alongside the designation, the EU imposed fresh sanctions including visa bans and asset freezes on 21 Iranian officials and state-linked entities. Those targeted include senior security and judicial figures accused of playing a key role in the crackdown.
Tehran reacted sharply, warning that the move would have “destructive consequences” for relations with Europe. Iranian authorities maintain that many of those killed during the unrest were security personnel or victims of violent rioters, putting the death toll at over 3,000. However, international rights groups argue the number of civilians killed by security forces could be far higher.
The IRGC, created after Iran’s 1979 revolution, serves as the ideological backbone of the country’s military establishment and has vast economic influence across strategic industries.
Despite the tough stance, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said diplomatic channels with Tehran would remain open. European officials insist the step is aimed at accountability, not closing the door to dialogue.
France and Italy recently shifted their positions to support the designation, helping build consensus within the bloc. Paris said there must be “no impunity” for those responsible for the violence and called on Iran to halt executions, lift internet restrictions and release detained protesters.
Israel welcomed the EU action as historic. The move brings the bloc in line with previous terror designations of the IRGC by the United States, Canada and Australia.
While the practical impact may be limited because the IRGC and many of its leaders were already under EU sanctions, analysts say the symbolic weight is significant and sends a strong political signal to Tehran.
The EU has repeatedly sanctioned Iranian individuals and organisations over past protest crackdowns as well as Iran’s military cooperation with Russia in the Ukraine war.