After Iranian authorities brutally suppressed recent large-scale protests, the EU on the 29th further increased pressure on Iran, deciding to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a 'terrorist organization,' drawing an angry response from Iran. At the same time, Iran is also confronting Washington.
According to AFP, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "'Terrorist' is indeed the most appropriate description for a regime that has brutally suppressed protests by its own people," adding that she welcomes this "long-overdue" decision.
Although this move by the EU is largely symbolic, the decision still drew warnings from Tehran authorities that it would result in "destructive consequences."
Major European powers had already last year initiated the restoration of United Nations sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi described the EU’s latest move as "another major strategic mistake."
The Iranian military strongly condemned the EU for its "illogical, irresponsible, and malicious action," accusing the EU of "merely complying" with the United States and Israel. These two countries are sworn enemies of Tehran.
Iranian officials have consistently blamed the recent wave of domestic protests on the United States and Israel, claiming that the two countries' agents instigated "riots" and "terrorist acts." Human rights groups have pointed out that thousands have died during the Iranian protests as a result of suppression by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security forces.