Pressure is mounting on the German government to formally designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, fueled by escalating protests within Iran and growing criticism from within the German parliament’s Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) faction.
Norbert Röttgen, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, stated that the IRGC’s inclusion on the European Union’s terror list is an overdue necessity. He highlighted the opposition’s previous insistence that then-Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock actively pursue this designation, a demand he now expects the current government and Foreign Minister to fulfill. Röttgen emphasized that any regime change in Iran must originate from within, driven by the Iranian people and urged European governments to unequivocally support them in their struggle, utilizing all available means.
The call for action reflects a widening divergence of opinion on how Germany should respond to the ongoing unrest. Peter Beyer, a CDU member of parliament and foreign policy expert, echoed Röttgen’s sentiment, arguing that the time for measured consideration has passed. “Many of us have demanded this for a long time” Beyer asserted, emphasizing the need for the German Interior and Foreign Ministers to proactively lobby for the IRGC’s designation both domestically and within the EU. He framed the move as a fundamental obligation to the courageous women and men leading the protests within Iran, facing violent suppression from the paramilitary force.
The growing pressure within the CDU/CSU raises questions about the government’s stance. While Berlin has previously expressed strong condemnation of Iran’s human rights record and offered humanitarian assistance, a formal terror designation carries significant implications for diplomatic relations and potential sanctions. Critics point to the symbolic and practical importance of such a move, arguing it would send a clear message of solidarity with the Iranian people and further isolate the ruling regime. However, the potential impact on ongoing diplomatic efforts and the complexities of EU-wide consensus remain significant hurdles. The forthcoming debate promises to be politically charged, as the German government navigates the delicate balance between supporting democratic aspirations and maintaining channels for dialogue.