EU Adds Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to Terrorist List
The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This decision comes in light of the Iranian government’s violent crackdown on protestors over the past few weeks.
Background and Reasons for the Designation
– Repressive Response to Protests: The action aims to respond to the brutal suppression of dissent in Iran, where human rights organizations estimate that thousands of protestors have been killed by security forces, including the IRGC.
– Statements from EU Officials: Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, stated, Repression cannot go unanswered, emphasizing that the IRGC would now be on par with jihadist groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Quotes and Reactions
– Iran’s Position: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the EU’s decision as a stunt and characterized it as a major strategic mistake.
– Condemnation from France: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot labeled the situation as the most violent repression in Iran’s modern history, stressing the need for accountability for the crimes committed by Iranian authorities.
Additional Sanctions Imposed
The EU has also enforced sanctions on:
– Six entities and 15 individuals within Iran, including key figures such as Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi Azad.
– The EU stated these individuals were complicit in the violent repression of peaceful protests and the arbitrary detainment of political activists and human rights defenders.
IRGC’s Role and Influence
The IRGC, Iran’s most powerful military faction, was established shortly after the 1979 revolution to safeguard the country’s Islamic framework. It boasts approximately 190,000 active personnel and oversees Iran’s strategic military capabilities, while also maintaining influence by providing financial and military support to allied governments and armed groups.
Global Perspective and Comparisons
– International Stance: Countries like Australia, Canada, and the U.S. have already labeled the IRGC as a terror group, although the UK has not yet followed suit.
– UK Government’s Position: UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy denounced the brutal repression but refrained from commenting on the potential proscription of the IRGC.
Current Tensions and Military Posturing
The EU’s announcement coincided with heightened tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned a massive Armada en route to Iran, stressing that negotiating a deal regarding Iran’s nuclear program was imperative. He remarked, Time is running out for Iran to negotiate.
Human Rights Violations and Reports
Amidst an internet blackout in Iran, assessing the government’s violence against protestors has proven challenging:
– The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported the deaths of over 6,301 individuals, primarily protestors.
– In contrast, Iranian authorities claim the death toll exceeds 3,100, asserting that most fatalities involve security personnel or bystanders.
Conclusion
The EU’s decision to add Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to its terrorist list marks a significant diplomatic shift in response to the treatment of protestors in Iran. This designation underscores the international community’s commitment to holding accountable those who perpetrate violence against civilians. As tensions escalate, the hope remains that diplomatic channels can still facilitate dialogue and potentially avert further conflict.