EU designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization

The European Union has reached a political agreement to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the decision on Thursday, stating that foreign ministers had taken a "decisive step" in response to Tehran's internal repression and regional activities.

Official Statements and Context of the Decision

Kallas declared that "those who operate through terror must be treated as terrorists," placing the IRGC on the EU's terrorist list alongside groups such as ISIS, Hamas, and al-Qaeda. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the "long overdue" move, writing that Europe stands with the Iranian people "in their brave fight for freedom." The decision came during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, amidst ongoing protests in Iran and escalating tensions between Tehran and the West.

Iran's Reaction and EU's Call for De-escalation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi immediately condemned the designation, accusing the EU of "fanning the flames" and making a "major strategic mistake" by targeting Iran's national military force. While announcing the punitive measure, Kallas also stressed that "the region does not need a new war," distancing the EU's legal designation from any potential support for US military action against Iran. She also called on Tehran to release all unjustly detained individuals, including EU nationals.

Strategic Implications and Regional Stability

The EU's designation represents a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure on Iran, adding to an existing suite of sanctions. It carries profound symbolic weight and could complicate European diplomatic and economic engagements with Tehran. For neighboring countries like Türkiye, which advocates for dialogue and stability, such actions risk further polarizing the region at a time of extreme volatility, potentially closing avenues for de-escalation and increasing the likelihood of broader conflict.