Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Italy Proposes EU Terrorist Listing for Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Italy wants the European Union (EU) to officially label Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist group.
This is because the IRGC has been very harsh in dealing with protests in Iran, which has upset many people.
If the EU agrees, it would make it much harder for the IRGC to do business or operate in Europe.
The IRGC is a powerful group in Iran that controls many important parts of the country, like the military and economy.
Some EU countries have been careful about this idea in the past because they worry it might make things worse with Iran.
Iran has warned that if the EU lists the IRGC as a terrorist organization, it will have 'destructive consequences'.
Iran's government says at least 3,117 people were killed in the protests, but other groups say the number is higher.
The protests were about the rising cost of living and turned into what Iran calls 'foreign-instigated riots'.
Italy proposes to include Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) on the EU's terrorist register.
The proposal is in response to the IRGC's violent crackdown on protests in Iran.
Being listed as a terrorist group would impose legal, financial, and diplomatic constraints on the IRGC in Europe.
The IRGC controls significant aspects of Iran's economy, armed forces, and nuclear programs.
Iran has warned of 'destructive consequences' if the EU lists the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
- Who
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and EU partners, Iran's government
- What
- Proposal to include Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) on EU's terrorist register
- When
- Proposed to be raised on Thursday at an EU foreign ministers meeting
- Where
- Brussels, Belgium; Iran
- Why
- In response to the IRGC's violent crackdown on protests in Iran and Iran's warning of 'destructive consequences'
- Organization
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC)
- Proposed Action
- Inclusion on EU's terrorist register
- Proposed By
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
- Context
- Crackdown on protests in Iran
- Potential Impact
- Legal, financial, and diplomatic constraints on IRGC in Europe
- EU Meeting
- Scheduled for Thursday in Brussels
- IRGC Role
- Controls economy, armed forces, ballistic missile, and nuclear programs in Iran
- Previous EU Stance
- Some members cautious, fearing breakdown in ties with Iran
- Iran's Response
- Warning of 'destructive consequences' and summoning Italy's ambassador
- Protest Death Toll
- At least 3,117 people killed, according to official figures
Sources
Italy pushes for EU clampdown on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over ‘heinous acts’
Iran summons Italian ambassador over push for EU clampdown on Revolutionary Guards, state media says
Iran Cautions EU Against Terror Designation of Revolutionary Guards
