The EU foreign ministers have approved new sanctions against Iran. According to consensus reports, the measures target several individuals and organisations accused of violently suppressing protests and supporting Russia. In addition, a decision is expected later in the day to place the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the EU’s terrorist list.
The sanctions will freeze the assets of the sanctioned parties within the EU. EU citizens and companies will be prohibited from providing them with funds, and travel bans will be imposed on the designated individuals. The list of goods that are no longer allowed to be exported from the EU to Iran will also be expanded.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) said that listing the Revolutionary Guard was urgently needed and described the Iranian leadership as a “regime of injustice”. EU Commissioner Kaja Kallas noted that there was consensus on adding the Revolutionary Guard to the terrorist list, but she added that diplomatic channels with Iran should remain open. The designation of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation is largely symbolic, as it is expected to have little practical impact due to existing sanctions.