EU Formally Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a Terrorist Organisation, Escalating Tensions
Daily Politics Desk World
The European Union has formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. This significant legal and political decision marks a major escalation in the EU's approach to Tehran and immediately drew a sharp response, with Iran warning of "quick retaliation." The move aligns European policy more closely with the United States, which has long classified the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
Analysts view the decision as a direct response to the IRGC's role in regional conflicts and its support for armed proxy groups across the Middle East. For years, Western powers have accused the elite military and intelligence force of conducting and sponsoring activities that undermine regional stability. The formal terrorism listing is seen as a step toward holding the organisation accountable for its alleged actions, challenging a perceived culture of impunity.
The diplomatic fallout is expected to be severe. This designation imposes new legal, economic, and political consequences, potentially deepening Iran's international isolation. It signals a hardening European stance at a time of renewed geopolitical friction. Concurrently, recent statements from the United States have revived threats against Iran, creating a tense atmosphere reminiscent of past confrontations.
Iranian officials have condemned the EU's decision as a provocative and destabilising act. Tehran's vow to retaliate raises concerns about further escalation. Potential responses could include asymmetric measures or increased support for allied groups, heightening the risk of instability in an already volatile region. The situation underscores the fragile state of Iran's relations with Western powers. The decision moves beyond traditional diplomacy and sanctions, framing the conflict through a counter-terrorism lens, which could have profound and lasting implications for security and diplomacy in the Middle East and for Europe's own foreign policy.
