The European Union has officially designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a decision made on February 19, 2026. This designation means that the IRGC will be placed on the EU's terrorist list, resulting in sanctions and restrictive measures in compliance with the EU's counter-terrorism efforts. Iceland, as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), is expected to align with this designation, further complicating its diplomatic relations with Iran and impacting its standing in international discussions on security and terrorism.

In light of this situation, protests have been announced calling for the Icelandic government to recognize the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This reflects growing domestic pressure to take a firm stance against entities perceived to threaten international stability and security. The actions taken by the EU are part of a broader strategy to confront Iran’s military and paramilitary activities that are viewed as aggressive and destabilizing in the region, particularly in the context of maritime exercises and events in the Persian Gulf.

The designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization may have significant implications for Iceland’s foreign policy and its relationships in the Middle East. Should Iceland adopt this classification, it would join other nations in condemning the IRGC’s actions and asserting its own commitments to international laws and treaties against terrorism. The long-term effects of this designation could shape how Iceland navigates its foreign relations amid ongoing tensions between Western nations and Iran.