On January 29, the European Union's Council of Foreign Affairs reached a political agreement to officially include Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on its list of terrorist organizations. This inclusion marks a significant step in the EU's approach to addressing terrorism and enhancing its security measures. As a result of this decision, the IRGC will now be subjected to restrictive measures under the EU's counter-terrorism sanctions regime, which aims to limit the IRGC's financial capabilities and operational reach within member states.

The sanctions will encompass the freezing of assets, financial resources, and funds associated with the IRGC present in EU member states, as well as prohibiting EU entities from providing any financial support to the organization. This broadened sanctions regime is part of the EU's broader efforts to combat terrorism and prevent any funding or support that could facilitate the group’s activities. Additionally, the decision impacts 13 individuals and 23 groups or entities now subject to these restrictive measures under the EU's designated terrorist list.

Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, emphasized in her statement that there is no safe haven for those responsible for heinous crimes. This statement underscores the EU's commitment to holding accountable those involved in terrorism and curtailing the influence of organizations like the IRGC, which have been implicated in various acts of violence and destabilization in the Middle East. The decision further highlights the EU's proactive stance on enhancing security and addressing terrorism within its borders and beyond.