EU prepares sanctions against Iran for supporting Russia

The European Union is preparing to impose sanctions on approximately twenty Iranian citizens and entities for human rights violations and support for Russia, but will not yet add the Revolutionary Guards to its list of terrorist organizations.

Although some member states, such as Italy, are calling for a tougher stance, France remains cautious and fears diplomatic consequences.

Among other things, the new measures are to include a ban on the export of components that can be used to manufacture drones and missiles, as the EU seeks to align its policy towards Iran with its approach to Russia. The Revolutionary Guards have a strong position in Iran, controlling part of the economy, the army, and the nuclear program.

The debate over whether to add them to the list of terrorist organizations has been reignited by the harsh crackdown on protests in the country, which has claimed hundreds of lives. However, there is still no unanimity among EU member states, which is necessary for such a step.

(reuters, mja)