France’s Resolution to Blacklist Iran’s IRGC: Implications and Future Steps

The French Parliament passed a resolution on January 29, 2025, urging the EU to classify Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization due to its human rights violations. Aimed at curbing the IRGC’s power, this step could freeze its assets and restrict its operations in Europe. AJC supports this measure, highlighting the IRGC’s role in global terrorism and urging further EU action.

On January 29, 2025, the French Parliament passed a significant resolution condemning Iran’s human rights violations and urging the European Union to recognize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces as terrorist organizations. The resolution emphasizes Iran’s persistent human rights abuses, including the misuse of the death penalty, violence against women and children, and systemic discrimination against women, severely restricting their freedoms and livelihoods.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is a key military force in Iran that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s fundamentalist regime. It has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses and is known for its involvement in Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile initiatives, as well as providing support to groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. The IRGC has a history of torture against Iranian citizens and was central to missile attacks on Israel in 2024.

The approval of the resolution by France is particularly significant as it provides momentum for a coordinated European Union approach to address the threat posed by the IRGC. If sanctioned at the EU level, the IRGC would face asset freezes and prohibitions on recruitment and fundraising activities throughout Europe, which would diminish their influence and activities, especially against Iranian dissidents and the Jewish community in Europe.

The resolution was championed by French Member of Parliament Constance Le Grip, with significant backing from AJC Paris. Ms. Le Grip, a former participant in the AJC Project Interchange, advocates for transatlantic cooperation on security matters, aligning with efforts to protect democratic values and counter threats in Europe.

AJC CEO Ted Deutch praised the resolution as a pivotal advancement. 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 underscored that the IRGC poses a global terror threat and facilitates instability in the Middle East, urging further action from the EU and other countries.

Looking forward, AJC is calling on the EU and nations that have not yet designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization to take action. For years, AJC has been actively advocating for measures to protect Jewish communities in Europe and counter Iran’s disruptive activities in the region. The organization emphasizes the need for ongoing pressure on the IRGC to mitigate its impact globally.

In conclusion, the French Parliament’s resolution marks a critical step in international efforts to address Iran’s human rights abuses and the threat posed by the IRGC. By urging the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, the resolution could significantly hinder the group’s operations in Europe and protect vulnerable communities. AJC’s advocacy reinforces the need for collective action in securing a safer future against global terrorism.

Original Source: www.ajc.org