EU Sanctions Iran Over Protest Crackdown, Eyes IRGC Terror Listing

• The European Union approved new sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities for their role in suppressing protests and supporting Russia.
• EU ministers are expected to politically agree to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
• The IRGC, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, holds significant influence over Iran's economy, armed forces, and its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
• Widespread protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship, have led to international concern over alleged deadly crackdowns by Iranian authorities.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously stated that Iran's ruling clerical establishment is nearing its end, warning of tougher international measures.

Why It Matters: The EU has imposed new sanctions on Iran and is considering designating the IRGC as a terrorist group.