On January 28, 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that France would support the inclusion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the European Union's list of terrorist organizations. This marks a crucial pivot in French policy, having previously expressed reluctance over fears that such a move could sever diplomatic ties with Iran.

Barrot stated, "The unbearable repression of the peaceful uprising of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered." His remarks follow the catastrophic events in Iran, where a deadly crackdown against anti-government protests has reportedly led to thousands of deaths and arrests.

The EU is expected to formalize this designation when foreign ministers convene in Brussels, with Barrot indicating that Italy and Germany are also onboard, which increases the likelihood of unanimous approval among the EU's 27 member states. The IRGC, established after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, holds considerable influence, controlling various sectors of the economy and the military.

While some EU states had previously resisted this designation, the severity of Iran's crackdown—and the role played by the IRGC—has changed the calculus. The EU had already imposed sanctions on Iran for human rights abuses, but this new designation would activate further financial and diplomatic measures against the IRGC.

France's shift emphasizes a growing European resolve to respond to Iran's aggressive actions both at home and abroad. The move aligns with similar steps taken by the United States, Canada, and Australia, all of which have designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

As international pressure mounts on Iran, the course forward appears filled with challenges, especially concerning diplomatic relations and the treatment of detained European citizens in Iranian prisons. The stakes are higher than ever, as European governments now balance their responses against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile Iranian regime.