EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Organization After Deadly Crackdown

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The European Union on Thursday formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a historic shift in the bloc’s Iran policy following years of internal debate and mounting pressure over Tehran’s violent repression of dissent.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the decision was reached unanimously by the foreign ministers of all 27 member states, describing the move as an unequivocal warning to Tehran. “Repression cannot go unanswered,” Kallas said, adding that any regime that kills thousands of its own people “is working toward its own demise.”

The designation clears the way for sweeping measures across the bloc, including asset freezes, EU-wide travel bans, and the detention of IRGC members who enter EU territory. European diplomats acknowledged the move is expected to significantly worsen relations with Iran but said it was necessary in light of what France’s foreign minister described as the most violent repression in Iran’s modern history.

The decision follows a recent shift by France and Spain, which had previously opposed the designation over concerns it could sever diplomatic channels with Tehran. Their change of position paved the way for consensus after Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and others had long urged the EU to blacklist the elite force.

The IRGC, which answers directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is the most powerful arm of Iran’s military establishment. Founded in 1979 to safeguard the Islamic revolution, it has grown into a multi-service force overseeing ground, naval, air, intelligence, and missile units, as well as the Basij paramilitary and the Quds Force, its foreign operations branch accused of backing militant groups across the Middle East. Estimates put its manpower between 180,000 and 190,000 troops, alongside vast economic influence through key industries and infrastructure.

The EU move comes in response to Iran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests that erupted late last year. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has verified more than 6,300 deaths, with thousands more cases under review, while other human rights groups estimate the toll could exceed 25,000. Iranian authorities dispute the figures, claiming many of those killed were security personnel or bystanders.

Analysts say the designation is largely symbolic in economic terms, as EU-Iran trade has already collapsed following renewed UN sanctions. However, Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations said the move sends a strong punitive signal to Tehran and gives EU states expanded legal authority to act against IRGC members.

The IRGC has already been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and Australia. The EU announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran and urged Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear program, threatening far harsher military action if talks fail.

Iranian officials responded defiantly, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning that Iran’s forces are ready to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any attack, while military commanders spoke of a “crushing response.”

Despite the designation, EU officials insist diplomatic channels with Iran will remain open, even as new sanctions target senior Iranian officials accused of orchestrating violent repression.

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