Calls for escalating pressure on Iran are growing within the European Union, spearheaded by German conservative politicians who argue current measures are inadequate to address the regime’s actions both domestically and against Iranian exiles. Jürgen Hardt, the foreign policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, is advocating for a renewed effort to formally designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move previously resisted by some EU member states.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), Hardt criticized the existing lack of resources dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and deterring Iranian government activities targeting dissidents living in Europe. He emphasized that legal avenues for such a designation exist and should be pursued aggressively.
Beyond the IRGC designation, Hardt’s proposal takes aim at Tehran’s international engagement. He contends that Europe’s prolonged focus on negotiations, particularly concerning the stalled nuclear accord, has been a strategic misstep. The perceived failure of this diplomatic approach, he argues, has emboldened the regime and necessitates a shift towards stricter sanctions.
The proposal specifically targets scientific and economic collaborations with Iranian state-controlled entities, calling for their complete cessation. Hardt believes these programs inadvertently bolster the regime’s stability and should be immediately suspended. He framed the situation as a means of potentially influencing the mindset of younger Iranians serving within the IRGC, suggesting a clear signal that the regime lacks a viable future may encourage defections and ultimately contribute to its downfall.
Hardt’s statements represent a growing divergence in European policy toward Iran. While some advocate for continued dialogue, the CDU/CSU’s stance highlights a rising frustration with the current approach and a willingness to embrace more forceful measures, potentially risking further escalation in relations. The call for re-evaluating the EU’s engagement with Iran promises to inject a new level of political tension into the ongoing debate surrounding the country’s future.