EU ends divisions, designates IRGC as a terrorist organization

Brussels [Belgium], January 30: The European Union (EU) has officially listed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, ending years of internal disagreement on the issue.
EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas declared on January 29: "Violence and repression cannot go unanswered," and accused the IRGC of playing a central role in suppressing protests in Iran.
According to the EU, the decision has direct legal consequences, including asset freezes and the criminalization of any form of financial or material support to the IRGC. "This is not just a symbolic move," emphasized Hannah Neumann, Chair of the European Parliament's delegation on relations with Iran.
On the same day, the EU added 15 Iranian government officials and 6 organizations to its sanctions list for "serious human rights violations," including Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, several IRGC commanders, senior police officers, and entities accused of participating in internet censorship and information manipulation. In total, the EU has now imposed sanctions on 247 Iranian individuals and 50 entities, according to The Guardian .
The EU's move comes amid rising regional tensions, after US President Donald Trump called on Tehran to negotiate on its nuclear program, while warning of the possibility of using military force.
Axios reports that Washington is holding security consultations with Israel and Saudi Arabia regarding Iran.
Responding to the EU's decision, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it "a major strategic mistake," accusing Europe of "adding fuel to the fire" at a time when many countries are trying to prevent the risk of conflict spreading.
The IRGC, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is an elite paramilitary force loyal to Iran's Supreme Leader, with approximately 150,000 troops and its own army, navy, and air force. The organization was designated a terrorist group by the US in 2019, Canada in 2024, and Australia in 2025.
The EU's decision also increases pressure on the UK, which has not officially banned the IRGC but has left open the possibility of taking such action in the future.
The British Foreign Office believes the sanctions decision is largely symbolic, given the extensive international sanctions already in place against Iran, and fears this move could lead to the expulsion of British diplomats in Tehran. The IRGC already has its assets frozen and is subject to other sanctions in the UK.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper