European Parliament Urges Action Against IRGC

On Thursday April 25, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to be included on the list of designated terrorist organizations. The motion garnered 357 votes in favor, 20 against, and 58 abstentions in Strasbourg’s plenary chamber.

A day earlier, on April 24, The European Parliament held a formal session, where members discussed the urgent need to adopt a resolution condemning the warmongering regime in Iran and designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

The session was attended by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

During the session, several members of the European Parliament expressed their strong condemnation of the Iranian regime’s actions, describing it as the “head of the snake of war and terror” in the region and a “global threat.”

Some MEPs called for the European Union to take decisive action, including listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization and recognizing the democratic opposition led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance, and her Ten-Point Plan.

The debate highlighted Iran’s role in regional aggression and destabilization, with calls for immediate designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization to address European security concerns.

 

During the discussion, Guy Verhofstadt, a Belgian MEP and former Prime Minister, expressed dissatisfaction with the current approach to Iran. He criticized the focus on diplomacy and appeasement, arguing that it has not produced results. Verhofstadt called for stronger sanctions against Iran’s leadership and urged recognition of the IRGC as a terrorist organization. He emphasized the need for direct engagement with the opposition, stating that they represent the true voice of the Iranian people.

Javier Zarzalejos, a Spanish MEP, highlighted Iran’s role in regional aggression, including direct attacks on Israel and support for proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. He emphasized the need for consequences beyond sanctions due to Iran’s failure to meet obligations. Zarzalejos also expressed concerns about Iran’s theocratic regime and its nuclear capabilities. He called for EU support for the Iranian people and opposition groups to achieve peace and security in Iran’s future.

Ryszard Czarnecki, a Polish Member of the European Parliament, highlighted the regime’s involvement in conflicts, such as providing drones and missiles in Ukraine and instigating the war in Gaza. He urged the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Czarnecki emphasized the need to hold Khamenei accountable and support Iranian opposition groups like the PMOI Resistance Units.

Hermann Tertsch, a Spanish MEP, raised concerns about Mr. Borrell’s stance on the Iranian regime. He pointed to a tweet from five years ago where Borrell had praised the clerical dictatorship’s 40th anniversary without addressing its human rights abuses or aggressive behavior. Tertsch criticized Borrell for not condemning the regime’s actions, which he viewed as a threat to both Iranian citizens and the Middle East region.

Francisco Guerreiro, MEP from Portugal, highlighted the coup d’état in Iran in 1953, which eventually led to the clerical regime and contributed to the current situation.

MEP Guerreiro said, “We have to support, of course, democratic forces in Iran which are calling for change. They want for a secular regime to be put in power, and we have to work for peace, in the direction of a peace process, a peace process in the Middle East which will culminate in a two-state solution.”

Milan Zver, MEP from Slovenia, expressed criticism towards Mr. Borrell, highlighting his failure to unequivocally support the Iranian opposition led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi and her Ten-Point Plan. Zver also noted Borrell’s lack of support for European Parliament members who have been labeled as terrorists by the Iranian regime. Zver voiced his support for designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

Antonio López-Istúriz White, a MEP from Spain, emphasized that diplomatic engagement and sanctions relief won’t deter Iran’s threats, stating that Iran remains a significant menace. He criticized past attempts to negotiate with the Ayatollahs and lift sanctions, highlighting Tehran’s arms supply to Russia, its sanctions against European Parliament members, and its involvement in assassinations on European soil. López-Istúriz White condemned the regime’s suppression of protests and support for terrorist organizations, calling for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization and a united front against Iran’s threats.

David McAllister, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, cautioned about the recent actions of the Iranian regime, emphasizing that two weeks prior, the Iranian regime had emerged from the shadow of proxies, posing a risk of war to the entire region. McAllister described the Iranian regime as a terrorist entity and stressed that the IRGC has not yet been designated as a terrorist organization, stating that this is something that must be done immediately.

Marco Campomenosi, an Italian MEP, discussed the Middle East conflict during the debate and criticized the European Commission for not designating the IRGC as terrorists despite repeated calls from Parliament. He emphasized the Iranian regime’s role in destabilizing the region to distract from internal repression and highlighted its influence on sectarian clashes and various regional groups. Campomenosi condemned the regime’s violence against Muslims, despite its claims of supporting Palestinian interests.

Lukas Mandl, MEP from Austria, pointed out that Tehran’s aggression is not limited to using proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis but extends to financing terrorism and Islamist activities within Europe. He criticized the delay in designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization despite the European Parliament’s overwhelming vote in favor of such action in January of the previous year.