Tehran has responded to the European Union’s recent designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization by declaring all EU military forces to be terrorist groups. This escalation comes in the wake of the EU’s decision, announced on March 15, 2024, which stemmed from the Iranian government’s violent suppression of nationwide protests.
The announcement was made by Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament and a former commander of the IRGC, on Sunday. He described the EU’s classification as a reflection of their alignment with the United States, asserting that “Europe wants to please its master, America.” The Iranian government’s action appears to be largely symbolic, invoking a law passed in 2019 that allows for such declarations against countries that label Iranian military forces as terrorists.
Escalating Tensions and Historical Context
The EU’s decision to place the IRGC on its terror list marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Europe. This action was triggered by the IRGC’s brutal crackdown on protests that erupted following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Amini, a Kurdish woman, was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code. Her death while in custody sparked widespread protests and a global solidarity movement under the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (“Woman, Life, Freedom”), which has become emblematic of the fight against state violence and oppression in Iran.
Human rights organizations estimate that the violent repression of these protests has resulted in the deaths of thousands, with some EU foreign ministers suggesting the number could be as high as 30,000 victims. As a result, extensive sanctions have already been imposed on the IRGC, making the new EU designation likely to have limited immediate practical impact.
Political Reactions and Symbolic Demonstrations
Following the EU’s actions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the designation as a “serious strategic mistake.” Members of the Iranian parliament have also expressed their discontent by wearing IRGC uniforms during sessions. Videos shared on Iranian media show politicians chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, reflecting the heightened rhetoric and nationalistic sentiments in response to the EU’s classification.
The IRGC has a long-standing reputation for violence and repression within Iran, and its designation as a terrorist organization has been a controversial subject of discussion within the EU for years. The ongoing confrontations between Iran and Western nations continue to shape the regional geopolitical landscape, with the potential for further escalations in the future.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, considering the implications of these developments for both regional stability and global diplomatic relations.
