EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Organization
BRUSSELS (AP) — On Thursday, the European Union took a significant step by officially designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization in response to Tehran’s violent repression of nationwide protests. This move, characterized as largely symbolic by the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, is expected to increase international pressure on Iran.
Kallas stated that the unanimous agreement among the 27 EU member states would align the Iranian regime with groups like al-Qaida, Hamas, and the Islamic State. She remarked, “Those who operate through terror must be treated as terrorists.”
In the meantime, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled potential military action against Iran due to the government’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, which has resulted in the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and other military assets to the region. It remains uncertain whether Trump will authorize a military response.
Activists report that at least 6,443 individuals have been killed during the crackdown, with Kallas commenting, “Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise.” Iran, in response, has threatened preemptive strikes not only against U.S. bases in the Middle East but also against Israel.
In a warning to maritime traffic, Iran announced plans for a naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz that could disrupt a vital shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil transits. Other nations including the U.S. and Canada have also labeled the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization.
Reactions and Implications of the Designation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the EU’s designation, labeling it a “PR stunt” and warning that rising energy costs could backfire on Europe. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who had initially resisted the move, has now voiced support for additional sanctions against Iran, emphasizing that the severe repression of peaceful protests must not go unpunished.
The EU’s decision also includes sanctions targeting 15 high-ranking Iranian officials and six organizations involved in suppressing dissent. These sanctions will freeze assets and impose travel bans on the affected entities. Given the Revolutionary Guard’s extensive business interests in Iran, the EU’s actions could impact its resources significantly.
Wider Context of the Protests
The protests, fueled by Iran’s economic difficulties, have intensified into a broader challenge against the ruling theocracy. The Revolutionary Guard, which has deep roots in Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, has played a crucial role in suppressing dissent, especially during the recent unrest. The organization grew in power during the Iran-Iraq War and has since expanded its influence significantly.
Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that over 6,443 lives have been lost amidst ongoing violence, raising concerns about the true extent of the crackdown due to communication restrictions imposed by the Iranian government. Previous estimates by Iran suggest a much lower death toll, highlighting discrepancies in reporting and accountability.
