France backs potential EU terrorist label for Iran's Revolutionary Guards

France has taken a decisive stance against Tehran, publicly backing a move to designate Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization at the European level. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the position on Wednesday, coupling it with demands for Iran to end its domestic repression and with immediate new sanctions.

Official Support for Terrorist Designation

In a statement on the social media platform X, Foreign Minister Barrot clearly stated, "France will support the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the European list of terrorist organizations." Such a designation by the European Union would represent one of the most significant diplomatic and symbolic steps the bloc could take against Iran, branding its premier military and security force as a terrorist entity. The move, which has been debated for years, would carry implications for EU policy, including potential travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on dealings with the IRGC's vast economic network.

Demands on Tehran and Announcement of New Sanctions

Barrot's statement included direct demands on the Iranian government, calling for it to "immediately release prisoners, put an end to executions, lift the digital blockade, and allow the United Nations Human Rights Council’s fact-finding mission to investigate the crimes committed in Iran." Alongside this, he announced that European foreign ministers would adopt a separate package of sanctions at their meeting in Brussels on Thursday. These sanctions will target individuals deemed responsible for the "unbearable repression" of the Iranian people's uprising. Barrot specified the measures would include entry bans into European territory and the freezing of assets.

Context of Protests and Escalating Western Pressure

The French announcement comes amid a sustained period of internal unrest in Iran. Waves of protests, triggered by a severe economic crisis and the collapse of the national currency, began in Tehran's Grand Bazaar in late December and spread to other cities. The Western response has been to steadily increase pressure. The potential IRGC terrorist label follows Italy's recent pledge to formally propose the same action within the EU. Iranian officials have consistently accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the protests to justify foreign intervention and have threatened a "swift and comprehensive" response to any attack. France's support significantly boosts the momentum for a coordinated European crackdown on the IRGC, aligning EU diplomacy more closely with the hardline US position.