France Backs Terror Label for Iran Revolutionary Guard

France has dropped its opposition to designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, clearing the way for a potential agreement among European Union foreign ministers on new sanctions against Iran.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the shift on Wednesday ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where the issue is expected to be formally discussed. France’s change of position could prove decisive in securing unanimous backing for the move.

Barrot said France now supports adding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations, citing what he described as excessive repression of recent protests in Iran. He said such actions could not go unanswered and stressed that the courage shown by demonstrators should not be ignored.

According to a report by Politico, the European Union is preparing to move forward with the designation following France’s decision to lift its objections. The move would come alongside an additional package of sanctions targeting Tehran in response to the crackdown on protests.

If approved, the Revolutionary Guard would be placed in the same category as groups such as Al Qaeda and Islamic State under EU law. The designation would require the unanimous support of all EU foreign ministers at their Brussels meeting.

Several EU countries, including France and Italy, had previously opposed the step, arguing it could further limit already narrow diplomatic channels with Tehran. However, the Élysée Palace said Paris had now abandoned those concerns. Politico reported that Italy has also shifted its position, while Spain has publicly expressed support for the measure.

The United States designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organisation in 2019 and has repeatedly urged the European Union to adopt a similar stance.

The debate highlights growing European pressure on Iran as protests and human rights concerns continue to strain relations between Tehran and Western governments.