Archive · 29 Jan 2026
EU Moves to Designate IRGC as Terrorist Group
Italy and now France want the European Union to call Iran's military group, the Revolutionary Guards, a terrorist organization.
They think this should happen because many people were hurt during protests in Iran.
Iran is not happy about this and warned that this could cause big problems between Iran and the EU.
The EU can only do this if a court decides the group did something very wrong.
The Revolutionary Guards are a big part of Iran's military and do many important things for the country.
Some countries in the EU were worried that this could cut ties with Iran and make it harder to help people held in Iranian prisons.
But now, with France, Italy, and Germany supporting the move, it is likely to be approved.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and now France urge the EU to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
The proposal comes in response to civilian losses during protests in Iran and the IRGC's role in the crackdown.
Iran summoned the Italian minister and warned of damaging consequences if the IRGC is labelled as a terrorist organisation.
The EU can designate a group as a terrorist organisation only if a competent judicial authority decides based on terrorist acts.
With France, Italy, and Germany now in favour, the decision is likely to be approved politically, potentially leading to criminalisation of IRGC-linked entities in the EU and possible retaliation by Iran.
- Who
- Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Iran's government, EU, France, Germany
- What
- Proposal to designate IRGC as a terrorist organisation by the EU
- When
- After civilian losses during protests in Iran and following a U-turn by France
- Where
- Italy, Iran, European Union, Brussels
- Why
- To respond to the losses suffered by the civilian population during protests in Iran and to send a strong political signal against the IRGC's activities
Proponents
Opponents
Designation of IRGC
Proponents
Proponents argue that the IRGC's role in the violent crackdown on protests and its overseas activities justify its designation as a terrorist organization.
Opponents
Opponents, led by France, have been cautious, fearing it could lead to a complete break in ties with Iran, impacting diplomatic missions and negotiations for the release of European citizens held in Iran.
- Proposal by
- Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, supported by France, Italy, and Germany
- Reason
- Losses suffered by civilian population during protests and IRGC's role in the crackdown
- Iran's Response
- Summoned Italian minister, warned of damaging consequences
- EU Legal Conditions
- Decision must be by a competent judicial authority based on terrorist acts
- Potential Consequences
- Criminalisation of IRGC-linked entities in EU, possible retaliation by Iran, impact on diplomatic ties and negotiations
- IRGC's Role
- Formal branch of Iran's armed forces, involved in military, intelligence, economic activities, and controlling ballistic missile and nuclear programmes
- EU Meeting
- European Union foreign ministers meet in Brussels on Thursday to approve the decision
