'Europe is fanning the flames, made a major strategic mistake,' Iran threatens after EU sanctions against IRGC

European Union ministers agreed on Thursday to add Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the bloc’s list of terrorist organizations, two diplomatic sources told Reuters.

The decisive measure follows the widespread killing of civilians during a wave of protests in Iran. 

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Vice President Kaja Kallas said in an official statement: “Repression cannot go unanswered. EU Foreign Ministers just took the decisive step of designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation. Any regime that kills thousands of its own people is working toward its own demise.”

At a press conference on the subject, Kallas said, “The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place, and today, ministers agreed to designate Iran Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. This will put them on the same footing with ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda. (...) Ministers also imposed sanctions on those responsible for the brutal crackdown on protests, including the Minister of Interior. (...) Beyond this, ministers adopted new sanctions on those involved in Iran's support to Russia in the war.” 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the sanctions: “Several countries are presently attempting to avert the eruption of all-out war in our region. None of them are European. Europe is instead busy fanning the flames. After pursuing 'snapback' at the behest of the U.S., it is now making another major strategic mistake by designating our National Military as a supposed ‘terrorist organization.’” 

Araghchi accused Europe of “taking zero action in response to Israel's genocide in Gaza,” while rushing to defend human rights in Iran. According to him, Europe would be massively impacted by war in the region, including by surging energy prices.

In response to the decision, the IRCG stated, “The irrational, irresponsible and hateful action of the European Union has undoubtedly been taken in unquestioning obedience to the hegemonic and inhumane policies of the United States and the Zionist regime. It reflects the depth of hostility and resentment of the leaders of this group towards the noble nation of Iran, the armed forces, and the security and independence of the powerful country of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The IRGC also said the decision was made under pressure from the “delusional” U.S. President Donald Trump and the “terrorist and child-killing” Zionist regime, calling it a blatant violation of international laws and regulations, the Charter of the United Nations, and the fundamental principles of respect for national sovereignty of states.

The New York Times reported this week that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered the Supreme National Security Council on Jan. 9 to suppress the Iranian protests “by any means necessary.” Senior Iranian officials said security forces were ordered “to shoot to kill” and to show no mercy.

HRANA, a U.S.-based human rights organization tracking developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, released an updated report that sheds light on the human toll of the crackdown on protests.

The organization’s data show a confirmed death toll of 5,459, overwhelmingly protesters. Yet this represents only part of the picture, as over 17,000 additional deaths are currently under review.