EU Poised to Designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as Terrorist Organisation

The European Union is preparing to take a decisive step in its Iran policy, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stating that the bloc expects to add Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its official list of terrorist organisations. The move, she said, reflects the EU’s deepening alarm over Tehran’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests and its broader human rights record.

A Shift Driven by Human Rights Concerns

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas emphasised that the IRGC’s actions—particularly its role in violently suppressing mass demonstrations—have left the bloc with little choice.
“We are putting new sanctions on Iran, and I also expect we will list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation,” she said.

The protests, which erupted across Iran in recent months, have been met with severe force. Estimates suggest that thousands of demonstrators have been killed, with rights groups warning the true toll may be significantly higher. The IRGC, a powerful branch of Iran’s security apparatus, has been central to the crackdown.

Growing Consensus Among EU Member States

While some EU countries had previously hesitated—citing concerns about diplomatic fallout and the safety of European nationals in Iran—momentum has shifted. France and Italy, once reluctant, have now backed the designation following mounting evidence of widespread abuses.

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel underscored the urgency of the move, stating that the scale and brutality of the repression “cannot be tolerated.”

Symbolic but Significant

Although the IRGC is already subject to extensive EU sanctions, adding it to the terrorist list carries symbolic weight. It places the organisation alongside groups such as al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Islamic State, reinforcing the EU’s condemnation of Tehran’s actions.
“This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh,” Kallas noted, stressing that “if you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist.”

The designation is expected to be accompanied by additional sanctions targeting Iranian officials and entities linked to human rights violations.

Diplomatic Channels to Remain Open

Despite the severity of the measure, Kallas indicated that the EU does not intend to sever diplomatic ties entirely.
“The estimate is that still the diplomatic channels will remain open even after the listing of the Revolutionary Guards,” she said, signalling that the bloc aims to maintain avenues for dialogue even as it increases pressure on Tehran.

Iran’s Reaction and International Context

Iran has sharply criticised the EU’s stance, accusing the bloc of acting under U.S. and Israeli influence. Iranian military officials have warned of “destructive consequences” should the designation proceed.

The move aligns the EU more closely with countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, all of which have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

What Comes Next

The IRGC will have an opportunity to comment before the listing is formally adopted, but EU officials expect the process to move swiftly. Once approved, the designation will trigger asset freezes and travel bans, further isolating the organisation internationally.

As the EU continues to grapple with Iran’s domestic repression and its geopolitical activities—including support for Russia’s war in Ukraine—the expected listing marks a clear escalation in Europe’s response.