The French Parliament has called for the European Union to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization due to severe human rights abuses in Iran. This decision may lead to asset freezes and restrictions on IRGC activities in Europe, effectively undermining the Iranian regime. AJC has strongly supported this resolution, emphasizing the global threat posed by the IRGC.
On January 29, 2025, the French Parliament passed a resolution denouncing human rights abuses in Iran and urging the European Union to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces as terrorist organizations. The resolution condemns “systematic violations” of human rights in Iran, including the use of the death penalty to suppress dissent, state violence against women and children, and significant restrictions on women’s freedoms and livelihoods.
The IRGC is a formidable militant entity that upholds Iran’s fundamentalist regime and is accountable for extensive human rights violations within the country. Additionally, it contributes to Iran’s covert ballistic missile and nuclear initiatives as well as supports groups opposing both Israel and the United States, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. The IRGC’s involvement in the Iranian regime’s torture methods against its citizens is also notable, having played a key role in missile attacks against Israel in 2024.
The resolution matters significantly as it potentially spurs the European Union to implement similar measures. An official designation by the EU could lead to the freezing of IRGC assets and a prohibition against their activities such as recruitment and fundraising across Europe, critically undermining the organization and the Iranian regime. Additionally, the IRGC poses a threat to Iranian dissidents and Jewish communities in Europe while supplying arms to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The resolution was championed by Constance Le Grip, a French parliament member with connections to the American Jewish Committee (AJC). She is part of AJC’s Transatlantic Friends of Israel initiative, which supports international security and cooperation. The resolution received backing from AJC Paris, underscoring the importance of international solidarity against state-sponsored terrorism.
Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, expressed his support for the resolution, highlighting it as a vital milestone. He stated, “Glad to see the French Parliament vote in favor of placing the Iranian regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the European terrorist list.” He emphasized the long-standing advocacy efforts of AJC and called attention to the IRGC’s role in perpetuating a global terrorist network.
AJC encourages the EU and other nations to formally recognize the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Over the past year, AJC has actively pushed for measures to fortify Jewish safety in Europe and counteract Iran’s destabilizing influence in the Middle East. Further action from international communities is urged to combat the threats posed by the IRGC and its affiliates.
The recent resolution by the French Parliament marks a significant step towards addressing Iran’s human rights violations and highlights the urgent need for a united international response against the IRGC. By urging the European Union to officially designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, France aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable communities and destabilize Iran’s influence in global terrorism. Further actions are essential to ensure accountability and support for those affected by the Iranian regime’s oppressive measures.
Original Source: www.ajc.org
