Member states are implementing new sanctions in response to the Islamic Republic’s attack on Israel, particularly targeting the production of rockets and drones. However, the European Union is hesitating to impose the strictest measures. Despite being one of the most heavily sanctioned countries internationally, Iran has not changed its behavior in terms of developing a military nuclear program, supplying weapons to terrorist groups, or repressing its own population.
The EU has previously imposed numerous sanctions on Iran and is now planning to add more in response to the recent violence against Israel. The summit declaration by the heads of state and government in Brussels mentioned plans for further restrictive measures against the regime, specifically related to drones and missiles. The details of these measures were not specified, but they aim to make it harder for Iran to import components used in military missile production.
While Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed the proposed sanctions, he expressed disappointment that the EU is still hesitant to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. The IRGC is known to be involved in terrorist activities and human rights violations, including the recent attack on Israel. The EU Parliament and some member states have advocated for classifying the IRGC as a terrorist group, but legal concerns and diplomatic considerations have stalled this decision.
At a recent summit, EU leaders were divided on the issue, with some calling for the inclusion of the IRGC on the terror list while others were satisfied with the existing measures. Despite condemning Iran’s air strikes and expressing solidarity with Israel, the EU urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions further. Israel, however, made it clear that it will take necessary actions to defend itself, signaling a potential challenge to the EU’s call for restraint.
Overall, the EU’s approach to dealing with Iran’s aggressive actions and human rights violations reflects a complex balance between diplomatic engagement and punitive measures. The reluctance to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization highlights the challenges of consensus-building among member states with varying perspectives on how to address Iran’s behavior.