The European Union has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, ending years of internal disagreement among member states. The decision was accompanied by new sanctions on 15 Iranian officials and six entities accused of involvement in serious human rights violations linked to the suppression of protests. Those listed include Iran’s interior minister, Eskandar Momeni, senior IRGC commanders, police officials, and organisations involved in media regulation and internet censorship. The EU said the designation carries legal consequences, including asset freezes and criminal liability for providing financial or material support.

The move followed a shift in positions by several EU member states, including France and Belgium, which had previously opposed the designation over diplomatic concerns. The decision came amid heightened regional tensions after US President Donald Trump publicly warned Iran to negotiate over its nuclear programme or face possible military action, announcing the deployment of a US strike force to the Middle East. Reports also indicated planned talks between US, Israeli, and Saudi defence and intelligence officials on Iran. Russia cautioned that any military action would risk destabilising the region, while Iran’s foreign minister criticised the EU’s decision as escalating tensions.

Founded after Iran’s 1979 revolution, the IRGC is an elite paramilitary force separate from Iran’s regular army and loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with its own ground forces, navy, and air force. It was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019, by Canada in 2024, and by Australia in 2025. The EU decision increases pressure on the United Kingdom, which has not formally proscribed the IRGC but maintains extensive sanctions against it. British officials said the EU’s move would further hold Iranian authorities accountable, while noting that additional UK measures could have diplomatic consequences.