Downing Street has expressed its approval of new European Union sanctions targeting Iran, which include plans to formally label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. This significant development comes despite the United Kingdom's continued reluctance to proscribe the Iranian military group through its own domestic mechanisms.
EU Takes Firm Stance Against Iranian Regime
EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels on Thursday to address Iran's brutal suppression of protesters in recent weeks. The bloc has adopted fresh sanctions targeting individuals and entities directly involved in the violent crackdown, with the IRGC now poised for inclusion on its official list of terrorist organisations.
"This will put them on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, Daesh," declared EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during the proceedings. "If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist."
Unanimous Approval Expected
Although the decision requires unanimous backing from all twenty-seven member states, approval appears imminent with major European powers including France, Italy, and Germany now supporting the measure. This represents a symbolic yet substantial shift in Europe's diplomatic approach toward Iran's leadership.
UK Government's Cautious Response
When questioned about Kallas's comments regarding the proscription and additional sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson stated: "We welcome today's announcement by the EU which will further hold the Iranian authorities to account for the violence and brutality shown against peaceful protesters."
However, when pressed about why Britain wasn't planning to implement a comparable ban, the spokesperson maintained: "It's long standing practice under successive governments that we don't speculate about individual sanctions targets or speculate around issues related to prescription."
The spokesperson further emphasised: "Under this government, you've seen 220 sanctions brought against individuals in the Iranian regime. We've been clear of our intention to bring forward further sanctions."
Political Pressure Mounts on Labour Government
The EU's decisive action increases political pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's administration to adopt similar measures. In 2023, while serving as shadow home secretary, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced Labour's policy to proscribe the IRGC, criticising the previous Conservative government's refusal to do so.
Yet earlier this month, Labour MPs expressed frustration with Sir Keir's government over its apparent unwillingness to follow through on this commitment. Business Secretary Peter Kyle insisted that Britain had "already used the sanctions against Iran to the full extent we can" and would not be proscribing the IRGC.
Background of Iranian Crackdown
Anti-government protests that swept across Iran since December have triggered a bloody response from authorities, drawing widespread international condemnation. Activists reported earlier this week that at least 6,159 people had been killed during the crackdown, with many others still feared dead.
Escalating Regional Tensions
Tensions have continued to intensify between Tehran and Washington this week, following former US President Donald Trump's announcement that a "massive armada" was heading toward Iran, ready to "fulfil its mission with speed and violence if necessary."
Ali Shamkhani, a political advisor to Iran's supreme leader, responded that any American military action would be considered the "start of war" and provoke an "immediate, all-out and unprecedented" response against both the United States and Israel.
According to US sources speaking to Reuters, Trump was reportedly weighing options including targeted strikes on Iranian security forces and leaders, aiming to inspire renewed protests and create conditions favourable for "regime change."
