France (The COW News Digital)France has shifted its position and announced support for designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a significant change in its stance and adding momentum to an ongoing debate within the European Union.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the French foreign minister said Paris would support the inclusion of the IRGC on the EU’s list of terrorist organizations. The announcement comes ahead of a crucial meeting of European Union foreign ministers scheduled to take place in Brussels on Thursday, where the issue is expected to be formally discussed.
The move represents a notable policy reversal by France. Only a day earlier, Paris had opposed listing the IRGC as a terrorist group, citing concerns over the potential diplomatic fallout. European diplomats had previously indicated that France feared such a designation could completely shut down communication channels with Tehran at a time of heightened regional tensions.
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However, pressure has been mounting within the EU, with several member states calling for tougher measures against Iran. Some European governments argue that the IRGC’s alleged involvement in regional conflicts and security threats warrants its inclusion on the terrorist blacklist. Earlier this week, Italy’s foreign minister also altered Rome’s previous position, publicly calling for the IRGC to be designated as a terrorist organization.
France’s change of stance is likely to influence the broader EU debate, as Paris is considered one of the bloc’s key diplomatic players. Analysts say the shift could strengthen the camp pushing for a harder line against Iran, though consensus among all EU member states remains uncertain.
The IRGC is a powerful branch of Iran’s military establishment, with significant influence over the country’s security, political, and economic spheres. Any decision by the EU to label it a terrorist organization would have far-reaching legal and diplomatic consequences, including potential sanctions and restrictions on engagement with Iranian institutions linked to the group.
Iran has repeatedly rejected calls to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, warning that such a move would provoke strong responses and further strain relations with Europe. Tehran has accused Western countries of politicizing terrorism designations and undermining diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic sources suggest that discussions in Brussels are expected to be intense, with member states weighing security concerns against the risk of escalating tensions with Iran. While some countries favor maintaining dialogue, others believe stronger measures are necessary to address what they see as Iran’s destabilizing activities.
As the EU foreign ministers prepare to meet, France’s backing of the proposal has raised expectations of a possible shift in Europe’s collective approach toward Iran. The outcome of the Brussels meeting could mark a turning point in EU-Iran relations, with implications extending beyond Europe to the broader Middle East.
