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Brussels Defends Its Security Principles and Human Rights Commitments Amid Tehran’s Retaliatory Move
The European Union faces a new and significant diplomatic escalation after Iran formally designated the EU’s air and naval forces as terrorist organizations. The move, announced by Tehran in response to the European Council’s recent decision to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist entity, marks a sharp deterioration in already strained relations. Yet for Brussels, the episode underscores the importance of coherence, unity, and adherence to international law.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the EU’s designation of the Revolutionary Guards as “illegal and unjustified,” arguing that it violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Tehran invoked a 2019 Iranian law providing for reciprocal measures against countries that support similar U.S. decisions. Earlier this month, the Iranian parliament had already labelled “European armies” as terrorist organizations, signalling a coordinated political response.
For the EU, however, the decision to blacklist the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was not symbolic retaliation but a carefully considered measure rooted in security concerns and legal assessment. The listing followed deliberations within the Foreign Affairs Council and reflects growing European alarm over Iran’s regional destabilizing activities, military support for armed groups, and internal repression.
Brussels’ stance is consistent with its broader security doctrine: when state-linked entities are involved in activities deemed to threaten international stability or European interests, the Union has both the authority and responsibility to respond. The designation aligns with EU counterterrorism frameworks and mirrors similar decisions taken by international partners.
At the same time, the EU remains committed to diplomatic engagement. Even as tensions rise, dialogue channels are open. A recent phone conversation between International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the importance of constructive interaction in the ongoing discussions surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program and broader regional developments. The EU continues to support the IAEA’s verification mandate and insists that nuclear diplomacy remains the only viable path toward long-term stability.
The escalation comes amid renewed domestic unrest within Iran. For a second consecutive day, university students across Tehran and other cities, including Mashhad, staged protests and sit-ins against the government. Demonstrators commemorated the 40th day since the violent events of January, during which thousands reportedly lost their lives, including students. Videos circulating on social media and testimonies from activists allege that members of the Basij militia—an auxiliary force linked to the Revolutionary Guards—entered campuses, shut gates, and forcibly dispersed protesters. Dozens of students are said to have been arrested.
Chants such as “Down with Khamenei” and denunciations equating the Revolutionary Guards and Basij with extremist organizations reflect deep frustration among segments of Iran’s youth. Protesters have also demanded the release of detainees and the revocation of death sentences handed down after the January unrest.
From a European perspective, these internal developments reinforce concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Iran. The EU has repeatedly emphasized that peaceful protest and academic freedom are fundamental rights under international law. Brussels’ foreign policy approach integrates both security considerations and the defense of human rights, and it views the situation in Iranian universities as part of a broader pattern requiring international attention.
Tehran, for its part, has accused Western governments—particularly the United States—of supporting Israeli “expansionism.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee suggesting biblical claims to territory in the Middle East, framing them as evidence of American complicity in regional conflict. While these statements primarily target Washington, they further complicate the geopolitical environment in which the EU must operate.
Europe’s challenge lies in balancing firmness with restraint. The Union does not seek confrontation, nor does it benefit from rhetorical escalation. However, it cannot ignore actions that undermine regional stability or threaten European personnel and assets. The labelling of EU forces as terrorist entities carries symbolic weight, but it does not alter the legal or operational standing of European missions, which function under international mandates and collective security arrangements.
Crucially, the EU’s response is guided by multilateralism. Decisions such as the terrorist designation of the Revolutionary Guards are embedded within legal frameworks agreed upon by member states and consistent with international obligations. This contrasts with unilateral measures that often characterize global power rivalries.
Unity among the 27 member states remains central. In moments of external pressure, cohesion strengthens the EU’s credibility. By standing together, European governments signal that attempts to intimidate or divide them will not succeed.
Ultimately, this episode highlights a broader truth about the EU’s global role. As a political and economic union, Europe combines normative commitments with strategic interests. It seeks dialogue but insists on accountability; it promotes diplomacy but prepares defensive instruments when necessary.
Iran’s decision may escalate rhetoric, yet it also clarifies positions. The EU’s message is measured but resolute: security concerns will be addressed through lawful mechanisms, human rights violations will not be overlooked, and diplomacy remains open—but not at the expense of principle.
“…Tale retorica ideologica estremista non farà che incoraggiare ulteriormente il regime occupante a perseverare nei suoi crimini atroci e nelle misure illegali contro i palestinesi, nonché nella sua continua aggressione contro le nazioni della regione”, ha aggiunto.
Il repubblicano Graham: ‘Persone vicine a Trump gli dicono di non attaccare l’Iran
Diverse persone vicine” a Donald Trump “gli stanno consigliando di non bombardare l’Iran”: è quanto riferito in conversazione con Axios dal senatore repubblicano Lindsey Graham, considerato un alleato del presidente Usa. Axios aggiunge che Graham ha invitato Trump “a ignorare” tali consigli. “Capisco le preoccupazioni riguardo a grandi operazioni militari in Medio Oriente, dati i precedenti”, ha osservato il senatore nelle dichiarazioni al media digitale. “Tuttavia, le voci che consigliano di non farsi coinvolgere direttamente sembrano ignorare le conseguenze di lasciare che il male agisca senza controllo”, ha aggiunto. Questa settimana, Graham ha visitato il Medio Oriente, discutendo del dossier iraniano con i leader di Israele, Emirati Arabi Uniti e Arabia Saudita.
Alessandro Fiorentino