German Lawmaker Carsten Müller: Europe Must End Appeasement and Blacklist the IRGC

Speaking at The Second Free Iran 2025 Conference near Paris on May 31, German Bundestag member Carsten Müller issued a forceful call for a new, uncompromising European approach to Iran. He condemned the regime’s ongoing human rights violations and its role as a key sponsor of terrorism.

Müller praised the bravery of the Iranian people—especially women and youth—who continue to rise up against the dictatorship, often at great personal risk. He pointed to the regime’s systematic executions and crackdowns as evidence that current policies of engagement and appeasement have failed.

“It is time to end this naïve strategy,” Müller stated. “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the backbone of this murderous regime and must be recognized as the terrorist entity it is.”

He urged Germany and other European nations to take immediate action and officially designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization—a step he described as both moral and strategically essential.

Müller noted increasing momentum in the German parliament for a tougher Iran policy, referencing the support of over 300 lawmakers for the Iranian Resistance movement. He praised Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan Plan as a credible, democratic alternative and pledged continued backing for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

“Maryam Rajavi’s vision is not just hopeful—it’s achievable,” Müller said. “It’s time Europe stands firmly on the side of freedom and justice.”

His remarks added to the growing chorus of international voices calling for a comprehensive shift in how the world engages with Tehran—moving from dialogue to decisive action.

.@MdbMuller: This regime will be replaced with human rights, democracy, and the Ten-Point Plan of @Maryam_Rajavi. That’s why I support this path forward.#NCRIAlternative #FreeIran10PointPlan
https://t.co/EiGYhZQHKW

— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) May 31, 2025

Below is the translated text of Carsten Müller’s full speech, rendered faithfully and with accuracy:

Dear Mrs. Rajavi—may I also say, dear Maryam Rajavi—we just saw in the first video segment a number of your supporters, many of whom are with us again today. This shows how strong the bond is between you and your many supporters from around the world.

For many years now, the people of Iran have been fighting for freedom, for human rights, against the death penalty, for religious liberty, for human dignity, and for democracy.

And ladies and gentlemen, the mullah regime in Tehran has held this culturally rich and proud nation in deep darkness for decades. It rules through repression, is steeped in corruption, driven by unspeakable religious fanaticism, and has no hesitation in supporting terrorists, exporting terrorism abroad, and committing the most horrific crimes against humanity.

Our hope—worldwide—rests on the shoulders of the brave women and men in Iran who call for resistance, who speak out without fear, who organize demonstrations, build networks, and raise their voices.

And we must acknowledge this clearly: from a free country like the Federal Republic of Germany, it is easy to overlook the cost. In Iran, people demonstrate, speak their minds, and risk their lives for doing so.

Maryam Rajavi just reminded us of a horrifying statistic: nearly 1,300 executions. Over 40 executions were carried out in a single week in December last year. There is no more monstrous behavior a regime could exhibit.

We want to address and close the obvious gap in my country’s Iran policy—as well as Europe’s. We want to change it. We no longer want to accept this policy of appeasement toward the Iranian mullah regime.

And for that, we rely on the courage of the Iranian people and our international alliances.

You may have heard: national elections recently took place in my country. We have a new federal government, including parties that have long been in government. New political majorities have formed.

In these difficult times—domestically and internationally—the people of Germany, not all but a large majority, see a strong opportunity for a new foreign policy and an end to the failed policy of engagement with the mullah regime.

I have long found this policy unacceptable. The idea that deeper trade relations could improve human rights in Iran—this was naive. And it has undeniably failed. This failed path must be abandoned.

It must be abandoned because Iran, under its current dictatorship, represents a serious global threat—to peace, to freedom, and to democracy.

We have seen it. The Iranian regime has not only suffered heavy setbacks from protests and demonstrations within Iran, but also from defeats suffered by its proxy forces over the past year.

We want to build on this momentum. We want this murderous regime swept from power in Tehran.

The coalition agreement between the three ruling parties in Germany—the Social Democratic Party, the Christian Social Union of Bavaria, and the Christian Democratic Union—offers strong support for a new Iran policy.

It’s important for me to say this: as you saw, we were able to present more than 300 signatures from members of the state and federal parliaments.

And even more importantly, this support goes far beyond those three parties. It draws from a much wider political spectrum.

Let me add: I am pleased that today’s German delegation includes members not only from my own party. This shows the broad cross-party support—which is crucial.

Ladies and gentlemen, what is our most pressing concern?

We want the so-called Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be listed as a terrorist organization. Let me be absolutely clear: there are not just reasons to do this immediately—there is, in truth, no reason whatsoever to delay any further. Action must be taken now. Perpetrators must know they will not escape justice.

This terrorist organization must be globally outlawed, because it is the main pillar propping up the murderous mullah regime in Tehran. And we aim to bring that pillar crashing down.

Ladies and gentlemen, we want freedom, democracy, and human rights to take the place of this terrorist regime. And let me say this clearly: the Ten-Point Plan laid out by Maryam Rajavi offers an excellent framework for this future. That is why I support this path—wholeheartedly.

I feel among friends here, and I want to say to all of you in Ashraf 3, and to members of the organized Iranian opposition around the world: You have many friends. You are not alone. You have broad support—and you can count on my continued commitment, and that of my colleagues.

Thank you very much.