The Council of the European Union has adopted a new package of sanctions against Iran and formally designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a major political shift in the European Union’s approach to Tehran.

The decision, approved unanimously by all 27 EU member states, comes amid mounting concern over Iran’s violent repression of protests at home and its destabilizing role across the Middle East, as well as its continued military support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas described the designation as a decisive step, saying that the scale and brutality of Iran’s repression could no longer go unanswered. She stated that the IRGC is now placed on the same level as jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State, while stressing that diplomatic channels with Tehran will formally remain open.

The move follows weeks of intensified crackdowns on protests in Iran, with human rights organizations reporting thousands of deaths and widespread arbitrary detentions. The developments have further heightened European alarm over Tehran’s internal conduct and regional posture.

Alongside the designation of the IRGC, the EU imposed additional restrictive measures on 15 individuals and six entities linked to serious human rights violations.

Those sanctioned include Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, and judge Iman Afshari, all accused of playing a direct role in the violent suppression of demonstrations. Several commanders of the IRGC and senior police officials were also........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)