France Backs EU Terror Listing of Iran’s IRGC as New Sanctions Loom — “U.S. Acted First, Now Europe Must”

France has formally signaled support for adding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the European Union’s terrorism list, marking a notable shift ahead of an EU meeting expected to discuss new measures against Tehran.

The announcement from the Élysée comes as European officials cite Iran’s harsh crackdown on protests and widening concerns over the IRGC’s role at home and abroad. France had previously been cautious about such a step, but the latest escalation has renewed pressure inside the bloc to harden its policy.

Italy has been pushing the proposal in recent days, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling for a tougher EU clampdown and for listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Iran, for its part, summoned the Italian ambassador and warned of “destructive consequences” if the EU proceeds.

The move is also tied to discussions on an additional EU sanctions package targeting individuals and entities linked to the repression and related activities, as European diplomats debate legal and political pathways for a terrorism designation.

Washington’s precedent is frequently cited in these discussions: the United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in April 2019. Supporters of the EU listing argue that Europe is now due to take the same step—closing gaps that allow the IRGC’s networks to operate, raise funds, and move assets.

Meanwhile, Iranian opposition figures and activists argue that even if the IRGC is listed, it should be a beginning—not a ceiling. They say it must be followed by ending bargaining/appeasement with Tehran, tightening restrictions on the regime’s networks abroad, recognizing the democratic alternative and the organized opposition, and supporting Iranians’ right to change the regime—seen as the most effective way to stop the repression machine without sliding into a foreign war.