BRUSSELS, Jan 29: The European Union on Thursday sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the Revolutionary Guard, and six organizations over Tehran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, which activists say have killed over 6,300 people.
The sanctions come amid growing US threats of military action and deployment of naval forces to the Middle East.
EU diplomat Kaja Kallas also announced plans to designate the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organisation, placing it on the same list as al-Qaida, Hamas, and ISIS, a largely symbolic act signaling isolation and containment.
France initially opposed the designation due to diplomatic concerns but later supported the move.
The Guard, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has been central to suppressing protests since early January, using its Basij forces to control demonstrators.
Videos show Guard members beating and shooting protesters. Iran has warned of naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, raising regional tensions and threatening global energy routes.
Human rights groups report over 42,000 arrests, including children, and more than 6,300 deaths, while Iranian authorities report lower figures.
The EU’s sanctions and international pressure underscore global condemnation of Iran’s escalating repression and growing instability in the country. (AP)
