The European Union has formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a decision that places the IRGC in a category similar to groups such as al-Qaeda and Hamas. This move, approved by EU foreign ministers in Brussels, was cited as a response to Iran's crackdown on widespread anti-government protests.
In retaliation, Iran's parliament subsequently announced its decision to consider all European Union militaries as terrorist groups, a measure described as largely symbolic and consistent with previous Iranian legislation.
EU Designates IRGC
European Union foreign ministers formally designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that repression required a response.
"Repression required a response. Any regime responsible for the deaths of its own people contributes to its own decline."
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel emphasized the importance of signaling that violence against protesters could not be tolerated. France and Italy, which had previously expressed caution, supported the designation.
This decision follows a period of nationwide protests in Iran, which EU officials cited as a key factor. Estimates for fatalities resulting from the crackdown on these protests range from 5,000 to 30,000. Prior to this, Australia had listed the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism in November, linking it to antisemitic attacks.
While some EU member states had previously hesitated to list the IRGC due to concerns about potentially hindering communication with the Iranian government and endangering European citizens in Iran, Ms. Kallas indicated that diplomatic channels are expected to remain open.
Additional Sanctions and Measures
Concurrently with the IRGC designation, the EU adopted additional sanctions targeting 15 individuals and six entities accused of serious human rights violations in Iran. These individuals include:
- Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni
- Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi Azad
- Several IRGC commanders
- Senior law enforcement officials
Sanctioned entities include the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority and several software companies, which the EU stated were involved in censorship, social media trolling campaigns, disinformation, and contributing to internet disruption through surveillance and repression tools.
The EU also sanctioned four individuals and six entities connected to Iran's drone and missile program. Additionally, the bloc expanded the prohibition on exporting components and technologies used in the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles from the EU to Iran.
Iran's Retaliation and Response
Iran's military criticized the EU's action, accusing the bloc of subservience to the United States and Israel. A statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces, carried by the official IRNA news agency, described the EU's action as "illogical, irresponsible and spite-driven," asserting it was taken in "unquestioning obedience" to the policies of the U.S. and Israeli regime.
The statement also claimed the IRGC has been central in combating extremist groups such as the Islamic State and warned:
"Hazardous consequences of this hostile and provocative decision will fall directly on the European policymakers."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the decision as a "major strategic mistake" that would harm the EU's own interests. He also asserted that European governments were "fanning the flames" rather than working to prevent a wider Middle East conflict and predicted severe European consequences, including increased energy prices, if conflict were to arise.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the US and Europe of having "warped the concept" of terrorism through the designation and stated that "countermeasures will be immediate."
In a retaliatory move, Iran's parliament announced that it considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist groups. This declaration was made by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Guard commander. The designation is largely symbolic, aligning with a 2019 Iranian law previously used to declare other nations' militaries as terrorist groups, as occurred after the United States designated the Guard similarly. During the parliamentary session, lawmakers, including Qalibaf, wore Guard uniforms in a show of support for the force.
Background on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
The IRGC was established after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution with the stated purpose of protecting the Shi'ite clerical ruling system. It operates distinct from other Iranian armed forces, possessing its own army, navy, air force, intelligence, and special forces, and reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The IRGC holds significant influence within Iran, controlling parts of the economy and armed forces, and overseeing the country's ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
The IRGC is estimated to comprise 150,000 to 190,000 troops, including the Quds Force, an elite expeditionary unit designated as a terrorist organization by the United States in 2007. Its Basij branch, a paramilitary volunteer militia, has approximately 450,000 members and has been involved in suppressing anti-government protests. The United States had previously designated the IRGC as a "foreign terrorist organization" in 2019, attributing the deaths of American service members in Iraq between 2003 and 2011 to IRGC proxies.
Broader Regional Context and International Statements
The reciprocal designations occur amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East. Iran reported adding 1,000 "strategic drones" to its military arsenal, and IRGC naval forces were scheduled to conduct live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil and liquefied natural gas shipping route.
Analysts, such as Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute, largely view the EU's terrorist designation as symbolic.
"Analysts largely view the EU's terrorist designation as symbolic, expecting minimal impact due to limited existing trade between Europe and Iran."
Parsi noted similar U.S. measures have not resulted in changes to Iranian behavior.
Discussions surrounding a nuclear deal persist, with former US President Donald Trump having previously indicated that Iran should negotiate a "satisfactory" deal and stated that "structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing" according to Ali Larijani, an Iranian security official. However, Supreme Leader Khamenei has repeatedly rejected direct talks with the United States.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated the country "should be prepared for a state of war."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and avert a regional crisis.