The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation,” following a deadly crackdown on mass protests orchestrated by Tehran.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called the move “long overdue,” writing on X that
‘Terrorist’ is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people’s protests in blood.
The designation triggers a strict legal response under EU law, including asset freezes, criminal liability for forms of support, and compliance obligations for European banks and businesses. It signals a firm condemnation of Tehran’s actions and has already prompted warnings of “destructive consequences” from Iranian authorities.
Alongside the terror label, the EU imposed visa bans and asset freezes on 21 Iranian officials and state entities, including the interior minister, prosecutor general, and regional IRGC commanders.
Israel welcomed the move, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it
an important and historic decision. The number one actor in spreading terror and undermining regional stability has now been called by its name.
The IRGC plays a central role in Iran’s security system and exerts influence across the Middle East. EU capitals were divided over whether the corps’ conduct meets the Union’s legal definition of terrorism and whether applying the label would strengthen security or limit diplomatic flexibility.
Rights groups report thousands of protester deaths at the hands of Iranian security forces, including the IRGC, while Tehran claims most casualties were rioters or security personnel.
