On October 22, 2024, during a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, members underscored the pressing need to confront the Iranian regime’s destabilizing actions in Europe. They called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be officially designated as a terrorist organization.
The session focused on the growing security threats stemming from Iran’s regime, particularly through its proxies and intelligence networks, which many Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) linked to recent attacks and assassination attempts on European soil.
Condemnation of the Iranian Regime
MEP Javier Zarzalejos was vocal in his condemnation of the Iranian regime, questioning, “Can anyone doubt that the Iranian regime sponsors, promotes, and finances terrorism in Europe?” He referenced the assassination attempt on former European Parliament Vice President Alejo Vidal-Quadras, asserting it was orchestrated by “hitmen hired by Iran.” Zarzalejos also highlighted Iran’s internal repression, including “executions, violence against women, and the suppression of criticism,” accusing Western nations of sending “messages of impunity to the Ayatollahs’ regime.” He characterized Iran as “Russia’s partner and ally in its aggression against Ukraine” and noted its influence over groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Zarzalejos urged the EU to adopt a firmer stance against Tehran.
“Can anyone doubt that the Iranian regime sponsors and finances terrorism in Europe?
If so, just think back to what happened a year ago, when a former Vice-President of this House miraculously survived an assassination attempt by hitmen hired by #Iran.”
📺@FZarzalejos #EPlenary pic.twitter.com/l9uOklsH9W
— EPP Group (@EPPGroup) October 23, 2024
Highlighting Specific Threats
Antonio López-Istúriz White also spoke passionately about the threats posed by the Iranian regime. He recalled the attempted assassination of Alejo Vidal-Quadras in Madrid, stating, “A year ago, I denounced this, and once again, I need to remind you of the assassination attempt against our colleague Alejo Vidal-Quadras, who was shot in broad daylight in the streets of Madrid.” López-Istúriz White warned that these actions are part of a broader pattern: “The President of Iran is arriving in Russia for the BRICS summit. He will shake hands with Mr. Putin, and they will discuss further steps in their comprehensive strategic partnership.” He emphasized that such alliances threaten democracy and stability in Europe, calling for stronger actions against the regime.
#Iran: This is unacceptable. It means the end of democracy. ▶️ mi intervención en el pleno del @Europarl_ES @EPPGroup @ppeuropeoo pic.twitter.com/uwvkztZiWZ
— Antonio López-Istúriz White (@TonoEPP) October 23, 2024
Direct Links to Terrorism
Several speakers made direct connections between the IRGC and state-sponsored terrorism in Europe. MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen pointed out that all evidence indicates Tehran’s involvement in targeted attacks. He stated emphatically, “Who is behind these attacks? All signs point to Tehran,” urging Europe to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Iran is niet alleen een gevaar voor Israël, ook voor Europa. Waarschijnlijk gaf Iran opdracht tot de aanslagen op activisten en politici in Europa. Mijn oproep: EU, werk samen met de Mossad om Iraanse dreiging te neutraliseren & zet Iraanse Revolutionaire Garde op de terreurlijst pic.twitter.com/Zk69iRGvVF
— Bert-Jan Ruissen (SGP EP) (@hjaruissen) October 23, 2024
Call for Concrete Actions
MEP Petras Austrevicius echoed these sentiments by stressing that Europe cannot afford to remain passive while Tehran expands its networks. “We must take concrete action at the EU level to stop the Iranian regime’s terrorism at sea and on land,” he declared, reinforcing the necessity of designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
We must take concrete action at the #EU level to stop #Iranian regime’s terrorism at sea and land pic.twitter.com/JJPvh7ijvx
— Petras Austrevicius (@petras_petras) October 23, 2024
Describing Asymmetric Warfare
MEP Alice Teodorescu described the IRGC as an “octopus” with tentacles conducting asymmetric proxy wars against Europe, particularly Sweden. She noted how criminal gangs operating under Iranian intelligence have been responsible for various attacks on businesses and other targets. “We need to act before Iran extends its nuclear capabilities,” Teodorescu insisted, calling for a decisive response from the EU.
Den statsfinansierade terrorn som Iran ägnar sig åt, via proxys i Mellanöstern men numera också via svenska gäng som knappast har sin lojalitet till Sverige och svenska folket, behöver stoppas med kraftfulla åtgärder innan landet har kapacitet att utgöra också ett kärnvapenhot. pic.twitter.com/PA55b1tW2a
— Alice Teodorescu Måwe (@alicemedce) October 23, 2024
Iran as an Exporter of Terrorism
In alignment with this perspective, MEP Francisco Assis highlighted that Iran has become a significant exporter of terrorism. He stated, “Iran is a society held hostage by religious fundamentalists who are now exporting terror beyond the Middle East to Europe.” Assis urged the European Union to follow examples set by both the United States and Canada, which have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
⚠ State-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian regime poses a serious threat to the internal security of the EU.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, linked to these operations, must be declared a terrorist organisation by the EU.#EPlenary pic.twitter.com/TJfetso8aX
— EPP Group (@EPPGroup) October 22, 2024
Demand for Tougher Sanctions
Throughout the debate, MEPs emphasized the need for tougher sanctions against Iran. Many accused the EU of sending mixed signals by engaging diplomatically with Tehran while failing to curb its malign activities effectively.
MEP Ana Catarina condemned Iran’s systematic human rights abuses during her speech. She highlighted repression against women and ethnic minorities and criticized cruel punishments like executions used to suppress dissent. Catarina argued that these actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for international law and urged decisive action from the EU against Tehran’s regime.
📌 Protect Europeans from Iran’s state terrorism.
MEP @tomastobe:
“It is essential to control who enters the EU, enhance intelligence-sharing, impose stricter sanctions on Iran, and crack down on both gang crime and terror financing.”#EPlenary pic.twitter.com/AYMeO13naV— EPP Group (@EPPGroup) October 22, 2024
Concerns Over Regional Influence
Speakers also pointed to the IRGC’s involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts as a core reason for their stance. MEP Kristoffer Storm noted that through its support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran extends its influence from Syria to Gaza. He warned that if action is not taken immediately, this menace could grow beyond control.
The European Parliament’s call for decisive action underscores an increasing urgency among EU officials to confront Iran’s destabilizing tactics. The push to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization reflects an effort not only to counter state-sponsored terrorism but also to safeguard European security and uphold international law. As developments unfold, how the European Union responds could redefine its approach toward Iran and its proxies moving forward.
