In response to the “trampling” of “basic human rights” in the nation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday that she supported designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
As efforts to restart nuclear talks have stalled in recent months, relations between EU member states and Tehran have deteriorated. Tehran has jailed a number of European citizens, and the EU has grown more critical of the government’s ongoing use of violence against protestors, including executions.
On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski town of Davos, she told reporters, “The Iranian regime’s response is disgusting and horrible and they are trampling over fundamental human rights.”
A fourth wave of sanctions on Tehran is being discussed by the European Union due to the crackdown and Iran’s transfer of arms to Russia. According to diplomatic sources, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would be included on the sanctions list the following week.
However, a few of the member nations have urged the EU to declare the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization. Within the next few weeks, Britain is anticipated to make a choice.
“In fact, a fresh round of sanctions is in the works, and I would support including the Revolutionary Guards on that list. Several ministers have asked for that, and in my opinion, they are correct “said Von der Leyen.
After the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman who had been held by morality police for allegedly breaking the severe clothing code enforced on women, there were widespread anti-government protests throughout Iran in September.
Iranian leaders promised to take strong measures against the protestors they had dubbed “rioters,” and they blamed their foes, particularly the United States, for inciting the turmoil.
If the IRGC were declared a terrorist organization, then it would be illegal to be a member, attend meetings, and display the group’s logo in public.
The Guards were put in charge of Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and were given broad authority over the country’s economy and armed forces after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which was created to safeguard the Shi’ite clerical ruling regime.
Pekka Haavisto, the foreign minister of Finland, stated in an interview with Reuters that the “appalling” death penalty, the suspension of the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA), and Iran’s delivery of drones and missiles to Russia required a robust response.
“All of these elements—human rights, arming Russia, and impeding the JCPOA final agreement—have been detrimental, and I believe the EU is starting to react more and more. It’s crucial that we respond vehemently, “He added, adding that the issue of sanctions and the listing of the IRGC was still up for discussion among EU countries.
Tobias Billstrom, the foreign minister of Sweden, which is currently holding the EU chair, issued a warning that although the IRGC was already included in the more stringent sanctions system, there was still room for discussion among EU nations.
“It’s a stricter system. I am aware that the word “terror” evokes strong feelings, but from a legal standpoint, the other sanctions regime, which includes businesses and people who are sanctioned, is harsher “He stated in an interview with Reuters.
