In a significant shift in policy, the French government has announced its support for designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, aligning itself with growing calls within the European Union to take a firmer stance against Tehran’s powerful military force.
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, the French Foreign Minister confirmed that France would support the inclusion of the IRGC on the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations. The matter is expected to be formally discussed during a meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled to take place on Thursday in Brussels.
The announcement marks a notable reversal of France’s earlier position and reflects evolving dynamics within the EU. Several member states have previously urged the bloc to list the IRGC as a terrorist entity, citing concerns over its regional activities and security implications. Earlier this week, Italy’s Foreign Minister also shifted his country’s longstanding position, publicly calling for the IRGC’s designation as a terrorist organization.
Until recently, France had opposed such a move. European diplomatic sources had indicated that Paris was concerned that labeling the IRGC as a terrorist group could lead to a complete breakdown of communication channels with Tehran, further escalating tensions and complicating diplomatic engagement with Iran.
France’s change in stance underscores the increasing pressure within the European Union to reassess its approach toward Iran amid mounting regional and security challenges. The upcoming Brussels meeting is expected to play a critical role in shaping the EU’s collective policy on the issue, with potentially far-reaching diplomatic and geopolitical consequences.
The development signals a broader debate within Europe over balancing diplomatic engagement with security considerations, as the bloc weighs its response to Iran’s actions against the backdrop of regional stability and international security.
