The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is escalating calls for significantly intensified pressure on Iran’s leadership, signaling a hardening stance within German foreign policy circles. Jürgen Hardt, a prominent CDU voice on foreign affairs, has urged Berlin to swiftly reinstate the “snap-back” mechanism for sanctions against Iran, a move that would effectively revive pre-existing restrictions previously eased under the 2015 nuclear deal.
Speaking to RTL and ntv, Hardt emphasized the urgency, stating that the activation of this mechanism is now “absolutely necessary”. His pronouncements reflect a growing frustration within conservative factions regarding Iran’s continued nuclear advancements and its destabilizing regional activities. Beyond sanctions, Hardt reiterated his demand for the European Union to formally designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a proposal previously met with internal debate and resistance within the EU.
A key focus of Hardt’s critique centered on what he described as Iran’s “transnational repression” targeting Iranian exiles within Germany. He alleges a systematic campaign of surveillance, intimidation and extortion impacting Iranian dissidents and community members residing in the country, contributing to a stifling of internal opposition. “People are being monitored, put under pressure and blackmailed” Hardt stated, suggesting the regime’s reach into Europe is actively suppressing dissent. He advocated for closer coordination amongst German Interior Ministers to combat this issue effectively.
Hardt’s vision extends to a comprehensive economic blockade of Iran, suggesting a dramatic tightening of trade and financial ties. He expressed confidence that these measures will be implemented within the coming days, though the extent to which Berlin can act unilaterally within the confines of EU foreign policy remains unclear. This assertive agenda raises questions about the potential for a rift with other EU member states, some of whom favor a more cautious approach to Iran and the potential impact on ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. The escalation also draws attention to the complex challenge of balancing security concerns with the protection of diaspora communities and upholding principles of international diplomacy.