France and Spain support listing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorist group
France and Spain have signalled firm backing for France and Spain support listing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group, a move that reshapes the balance inside the European Union and brings the bloc closer to formally blocklisting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Their position marks a departure from earlier caution and removes a key obstacle that had slowed EU action for years.
Paris confirmed its support after reassessing the political and security costs of inaction. French officials have cited the IRGC’s role in violent repression inside Iran and its expanding regional footprint as factors that now outweigh concerns about diplomatic fallout. Madrid followed with a similar message, arguing that the EU must respond decisively when state-linked forces are accused of systematic abuses and destabilising activity beyond their borders.
The significance of France and Spain’s support in listing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group lies in their influence within EU foreign policy. Both countries had previously urged restraint, warning that a terrorist designation could complicate dialogue with Tehran and reduce leverage in sensitive negotiations. Their shift suggests that the calculus has changed: political credibility, internal EU pressure, and security alignment with partners now carry greater weight.
The IRGC has long drawn scrutiny from European governments. Critics link the organisation to the suppression of protests in Iran, intelligence operations abroad, and support for armed groups across the Middle East. Some EU members also accuse the Guard of involvement in weapons transfers that affect conflicts beyond the region. Germany, the Netherlands, and several Nordic states have repeatedly pressed for a tougher EU response, arguing that existing sanctions fall short.
With France and Spain supporting listing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group, momentum has accelerated toward an EU-wide decision. A formal designation would trigger far-reaching legal consequences: asset freezes, travel bans, and criminal penalties for providing material support within EU jurisdictions. It would also place the IRGC alongside groups already listed under EU counter-terrorism law.
Opposition has not vanished entirely. A handful of member states remain concerned about the risk of escalation and retaliation, including threats to European diplomatic missions or to citizens abroad. Others question whether a designation will change behaviour in Tehran or harden positions. Still, proponents argue that the EU’s credibility on human rights and security depends on consistency, even when outcomes are uncertain.
Iran has rejected the idea outright, warning that such a step would damage relations with Europe. Tehran insists the IRGC is a legitimate state institution and frames the push as politically motivated. EU officials respond that the measure targets conduct, not sovereignty, and that diplomatic channels can coexist with restrictive measures.
As France and Spain support listing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group, the EU moves closer to a historic shift in policy. The decision would redefine how Europe treats powerful state-linked security forces accused of repression and regional destabilisation, setting a precedent likely to shape EU foreign policy well beyond Iran.
