EU Readies Sanctions Against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Amid Protests

The European Union is set to designate Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization and expand sanctions against the country in response to the government’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests. This decision, expected on Thursday, seeks to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic amid escalating tensions with the United States, which has moved military assets, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, into the Middle East.

The protests in Iran have claimed the lives of at least 6,373 people, according to activists. Demonstrations began following the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent, including the killing of peaceful protesters and allegations of potential mass executions. While U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action, it remains uncertain whether he will follow through with such measures.

Iran has responded to these threats, warning that it could launch pre-emptive strikes across the Middle East, targeting U.S. military bases and Israel. On Thursday, the Iranian government also issued a notice to maritime traffic, announcing planned military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes. The drills, set for next week, will include live firing exercises.

EU’s Planned Sanctions Target Revolutionary Guard

EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, indicated that the sanctions would align the Revolutionary Guard with groups such as al-Qaida and ISIS. “If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist,” she stated. The sanctions are aimed at those responsible for the repression, including members of the Revolutionary Guard, government officials, and entities involved in the internet blackout that has hindered communication during the protests.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that more than 20 individuals and entities would face asset freezes and restrictions on entering European territory. This move comes as Iran’s economy is already under significant strain from existing international sanctions imposed by various countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Should the EU implement these sanctions, it would further isolate Iran, which is already grappling with economic turmoil. The Iranian rial has fallen to a record low of 1.6 million to $1, reflecting the country’s deteriorating financial situation.

Background and Implications of the Revolutionary Guard’s Designation

Founded after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Revolutionary Guard was established to protect the Shiite cleric-led government. Over the years, it has gained significant power and influence, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. The Guard has also expanded its operations into business ventures, making it a formidable force within Iranian society.

The listing of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization is seen as a significant escalation in the EU’s stance. Kristina Kausch, a deputy director at the German Marshall Fund, noted that such a designation signals a shift towards isolation and containment rather than dialogue. “This act is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties,” she explained.

Despite the complexities surrounding the decision, including the potential impact on diplomatic relations, France has signaled its support for the sanctions. Barrot emphasized that the “unbearable repression” in Iran must not go unpunished.

The full scale of the crackdown remains difficult to ascertain due to communication restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities. Reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency indicate that the protests have led to more than 42,450 arrests and thousands of deaths, making this one of the deadliest periods of unrest in recent Iranian history.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, balancing concerns over human rights with geopolitical implications in a region fraught with tension.