The European Union has announced sanctions on 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, over Tehran’sdeadly crackdown on nationwide protests. Six Iranian organisations, including bodies responsible for monitoring online content in Iran, were also included on the sanctions list. But the move by Europe will put new pressure on Iran as its economy already struggles under the weight of international sanctions. “This will put them on the same footing with al Qeida, Hamas, Daesh,” the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said, using an Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State group. “The designation of a state military arm, of an official pillar of the Iranian state as a terrorist organisation is one step short of cutting diplomatic ties,” she said.

Source: Irish Examiner January 29, 2026 22:46 UTC