EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Organisation

The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, ending years of internal division over the issue in response to Tehran’s violent repression of protesters.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the move sent a clear message that «repression cannot go unanswered,» accusing the Iranian regime of using the IRGC as a key instrument to crush dissent. The designation carries legal consequences across the bloc, including asset freezes and criminal liability for providing financial or material support.

Alongside the listing, the EU imposed sanctions on 15 Iranian officials and six organisations linked to serious human rights violations, including senior IRGC commanders, police officials and entities involved in censorship and online repression. In total, the EU has now sanctioned 247 individuals and 50 entities over abuses in Iran.

The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear programme or face possible military action. Iran condemned the EU’s move as a «strategic mistake,» while Russia cautioned against any destabilising military escalation in the Middle East.

The IRGC, an elite force loyal to Iran’s supreme leader, has already been designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, Canada and Australia. The EU’s decision increases pressure on remaining allies, including the UK, to consider similar action.

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