For over forty years, the Iranian opposition has warned about the threat posed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In this regard, the opposition has made extensive efforts through documented disclosures, gatherings, protests, conferences, interviews, books, book tables, and more, to reveal the IRGC’s wide-ranging activities and global terrorism. However, a world inclined towards appeasement did not hear or chose not to hear, turning a blind eye.
Now, after a year of warmongering by the clerical regime in the region, the IRGC’s role as the enforcer and arm of the regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rule in continuing and expanding conflicts has become more evident. Consequently, international pressure has increased to designate this criminal entity as a terrorist organization.
European Parliament Session
On October 22, the European Parliament held an official session in Strasbourg dedicated to examining the regime’s state-sponsored terrorism. During this session, European representatives from various parties condemned the regime’s role in violence against women, suppression of dissidents, destabilizing the region, warmongering, terrorism on European soil, threats to Iranian refugees in Europe, cyber-attacks, and more. However, their primary demand was for the IRGC to be listed as a terrorist organization.
In this context, MEP Javier Zarzalejos stated, “Can anyone doubt that the Iranian regime sponsors, promotes, and finances terrorism in Europe?”
MEP Petras Auštrevičius from Lithuania, stressing the importance of designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity and said, “We must take concrete action at the EU level to stop the Iranian regime’s terrorism at sea and on land.”
In line with this, Francisco Assis, MEP from Portugal, pointed out that Iran’s regime has become a key exporter of terrorism. “Iran is a society held hostage by religious fundamentalists who are now exporting terror beyond the Middle East to Europe.”
Polish MEP Adam Bielan stated that it is essential that all member states unite to recognize the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stressed that this is not merely symbolic but a necessary step to protect citizens and uphold international law.
Kristoffer Storm, MEP from Denmark, equated the mullahs’ regime and the IRGC, stressing, that the Iranian regime and the IRGC have conducted terrorist attacks in other EU member states. He stressed that Europe must send a strong message and place the IRGC on the terrorist list.
Finally, Helena Dalli, the European Commissioner for Equality, pointed to numerous European Parliament resolutions and various EU sanctions against the IRGC, confirming support for listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization. However, she also reminded the assembly that this step requires a political decision and depends on a unanimous decision by the European Council’s 27 member states.
Protests by Opposition Supporters in Strasbourg
At the same time as the European Parliament session, Iranian compatriots and freedom-loving Iranians held a rally and protest in front of the institution. They protested the international community’s forty-year delay in condemning the IRGC, and through their fervent slogans, they conveyed the urgent demands of the Iranian people to the European representatives.
One of the largest banners at this impressive gathering read: “Honor the will of the Iranian people and the vote of Europeans by including the IRGC in the terrorist list.”
Request for Prominent Figures for IRGC Proscription
On the same day (October 22, 2024), an article by several prominent French human rights advocates called for the IRGC’s designation. Former Columbian Presidential Candidate Ingrid Betancourt; Pierre Bercis, president of New Human Rights Foundation; Emile Blessig, head of the former Parliamentarians Group; Yves Bonnet, former director of national intelligence; writer Pascal Bruckner; Jean-François Legaret, head of the Middle East Studies Foundation; and Gilles Paruelle, former president of the Val-d’Oise Bar Association, published a joint article titled “Why It Is Necessary to Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization” in Journal Du Dimanche.
In the article, they criticized the European Union, stating, “Despite calls from the European Parliament (EP) to add the IRGC to the list of terrorist entities, Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative, blocked the initiative by requiring a judicial decision from an EU member state. However, evidence linking the IRGC to acts of terrorism is plentiful. Tehran does not view the EU’s inaction as wisdom but as weakness.”
Comprehensive Blows to the IRGC
One year after the regime’s warmongering in Gaza and the actions of its IRGC-backed proxy forces, the regime’s main arm now faces attacks from all angles. The international community has recognized this vulnerability and has increased its pressure.
At the same time, Iran’s rebellious youth continue to target IRGC and Basij centers without interruption.
The comprehensive weakening and disintegration of the IRGC, which the regime spent decades building up, represents yet another strategic loss for the regime and another indication of its inevitable downfall.
Source » iranprobe