German Opposition Leader Calls for Stronger European Action
A prominent voice within the German parliament is urging the European Union to significantly escalate its response to the ongoing unrest in Iran, advocating for measures previously deemed too provocative.. Norbert Röttgen, Deputy Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group, has publicly called for a more robust stance, criticizing previous European actions as inadequate and urging a shift towards demonstrably stronger support for Iranian opposition movements.
Speaking to the German news portal T-Online, Röttgen argued that a clear and visible display of solidarity with the Iranian people is paramount. He criticized the former Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs, suggesting that Europe possesses greater leverage and a moral imperative to act decisively. Specifically, Röttgen proposed two particularly impactful measures: the implementation of harsher economic sanctions targeting the regime’s key sectors and the formal designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
These proposals represent a significant departure from the EU’s more cautious approach, which has prioritized maintaining diplomatic channels and avoiding escalation. Röttgen’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within some European political circles that the current strategy is failing to effectively challenge the regime’s iron grip on power.
Röttgen’s assessment of the Iranian government’s stability paints a stark picture. He asserts that the regime, currently reliant on “brutality and violence” to maintain control, is nearing its end. Framing the present situation as a “historic moment” for the Iranian people, he emphasizes the potential for a fundamental shift away from the theocratic rule of the “mullah regime.
However, analysts question the potential ramifications of such escalatory actions. Designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization would undoubtedly trigger a severe diplomatic breakdown and could provoke retaliation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of sanctions – particularly if not coordinated with other global powers – remains a subject of debate. While Röttgen’s call signals a willingness to confront the Iranian regime more directly, the practical challenges and potential geopolitical consequences of his proposals are substantial and could further complicate the already precarious situation in Iran. The coming weeks are likely to see further debate within European capitals about the appropriate response to the unfolding crisis.