European Union adds Iran’s IRGC to its terror blacklist

EU Blacklists IRGC After Deadly Crackdown on Protesters

The European Union has officially placed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on its terrorist list after Iranian forces violently suppressed nationwide protests. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc took this step because repression must face consequences. She stated that the EU now treats the IRGC—one of Iran’s most powerful military, political, and economic institutions—on the same level as extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the decision, calling it a political stunt and a serious strategic mistake. Human rights groups reported that Iranian security forces, including the IRGC, killed thousands of protesters during unrest in December and January. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the crackdown as the most brutal repression in Iran’s modern history and insisted that those responsible must be held accountable. Although France initially hesitated due to diplomatic concerns, it later supported Italy’s push to blacklist the IRGC.

The EU also imposed new sanctions on six Iranian entities and 15 individuals, including senior government officials and judicial figures, accusing them of violently crushing peaceful protests and arbitrarily detaining activists. Kallas said the EU would keep diplomatic channels open with Iran despite these measures.

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Rising International Tensions as Iran and the US Exchange Warnings

The IRGC, founded after Iran’s 1979 revolution, controls Iran’s most powerful armed forces and oversees land, air, and naval units as well as strategic weapons. It also extends influence abroad by supporting allied governments and armed groups and controls the Basij paramilitary force, which authorities frequently use to suppress internal dissent. While the US, Canada, and Australia have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, the UK has not yet taken that step.

Tensions increased further after US President Donald Trump announced that a large American naval force was moving toward Iran and warned Tehran to return to nuclear negotiations. Trump later said he hoped to avoid military conflict through talks, despite emphasizing US military readiness. In response, Iran warned that its armed forces stood ready to respond forcefully to any attack, accusing Europe of escalating regional tensions.

An internet blackout in Iran has made it difficult to verify casualty figures. International human rights organizations estimate that deaths may exceed several thousand, possibly reaching over 25,000, while Iranian authorities claim a lower toll and blame violence on “rioters.” Despite limited access for foreign media, verified videos show Iranian security forces firing live ammunition at protesters.

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