France to Support EU Designation of Irans IRGC as Terrorist Organization

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has announced a shift in France’s stance on designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. In a statement shared on social media, Barrot stated that the Iranian government’s recent crackdown on antigovernment protests cannot be ignored.

Barrot expressed support for the European Union’s efforts to add the IRGC to its list of terrorist organizations, citing the need to hold those responsible accountable for the violence unleashed upon protesters. He also announced that France will take action against individuals and entities linked to the atrocities in Brussels, with measures including asset freezes and travel bans.

The EU foreign ministers are set to meet on Thursday in Brussels to sign off on new sanctions against the IRGC. The move is being led by Italy and is expected to receive political backing from all member states. The designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization has been a contentious issue, with some EU countries pushing for it and others expressing caution.

The push for sanctions comes amid global criticism of Iran’s crackdown on protests that broke out in response to economic crisis and soaring inflation. Human rights organizations have reported at least 6,221 deaths linked to the protests, although Iran’s government has put the death toll at 3,117. The United States, Canada, and Australia have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

Iran has warned of “destructive consequences” if the EU proceeds with plans to list the IRGC, and has summoned the Italian ambassador over Rome’s spearheading of the move.

Source: Al Jazeera