European Union Designates Iranian Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Organization

On Thursday, the European Union (EU) officially added the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to its list of designated terrorist organizations. This significant move was announced by EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas following consultations among foreign ministers in Brussels. In classifying the Guard alongside notorious groups such as Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Islamic State (IS), the EU sends a strong message against the Iranian regime's actions amid ongoing protests within the country. The decision comes against the backdrop of rising death tolls during recent protests in Iran, where the government's heavy-handed response has raised alarm. Kallas underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is clear what we are seeing. The number of casualties in the protests in Iran and the means that the regime has used are really serious." This designation is intended to communicate that oppressing citizens comes with consequences. Despite the strong stance, Kallas reassured that diplomatic channels with Iranian officials remain open, indicating that discussions could still take place with the Iranian foreign minister. The classification of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group is a significant symbolic gesture, but analysts suggest it may not alter the ground situation much. The entity has been under EU sanctions for over a decade, prohibiting its members from accessing funds or economic resources, with any assets within the EU required to be frozen. These sanctions were initially imposed to deter Iran from pursuing nuclear capabilities. Directly subordinate to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Revolutionary Guard is composed of elite forces tasked with both external and internal defense, including the suppression of dissent and maintaining control over the regime. Its role in recent violent crackdowns during protests has been notable. The debate surrounding the listing of the Revolutionary Guard has been ongoing within the EU for years and intensified after Iran's major military confrontations, particularly the April 2024 attacks on Israel. However, the EU's consensus on this matter faced hurdles, especially from France, which had previously objected based on existing sanctions and concerns for French nationals detained in Iran. Recently, Italy and Spain, once skeptical of such a designation, have shown support, suggesting a shift in the EU's collective approach toward Iran. As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, the EU's decision to label the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization could further complicate relations, highlighting the ongoing struggle between promoting human rights and engaging in diplomatic negotiations. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3