EU ministers approve new sanctions against Iran over crackdown
The EU foreign ministers approved new sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in a violent crackdown on protesters and Iran’s support for Russia. They are also expected to reach a political agreement to include the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the bloc’s list of terrorist organizations, marking a symbolic shift in Europe’s stance towards Iran’s leadership.
BRUSSELS – The move follows news that IRGC played a role in suppressing protests and provided support to Russian forces. This includes sanctions on specific individuals within the IRGC, including its leader Esmail Qasem Soleimani, who was also a prominent figure in Syria’s civil war. EU officials stressed that this decision not only targets those responsible for human rights abuses but also underlines Europe’s commitment to countering malign influence.
EU leaders view IRGC as a parallel of groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. This move aims at bolstering international efforts against extremism, terrorism, and destabilizing activities in regions where Iran has shown support. The sanctions will restrict financial transactions, asset freezes, and travel bans for those sanctioned entities.