Digital Phablet

Tag: IRGC

  • EU designates Iran Guards as a ‘terrorist organization’

    EU designates Iran Guards as a ‘terrorist organization’

    The European Union has decided to label Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a “terrorist organization,” signaling strong disapproval following a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests. This move communicates a clear condemnation of Tehran’s actions.

    EU President Ursula von der Leyen expressed that “this was long overdue” via social media after the foreign ministers made the decision.

    Although largely symbolic, this designation has prompted warnings from Iran that it could lead to “destructive consequences.” Alongside this, the EU has imposed visa bans and asset freezes on 21 Iranian state entities and high-ranking officials—including the interior minister, prosecutor general, and regional IRGC commanders—due to the repression.

    Iranian officials admit that over 3,000 people have died during the protests, but they claim most casualties were security personnel or bystanders killed by “rioters.” Human rights organizations suggest the actual death toll may reach tens of thousands, with evidence indicating security forces, including the IRGC, directly shot protestors.

    The IRGC, established after the 1979 revolution, serves as Tehran’s ideological military branch, overseeing or owning numerous key companies across Iran’s economy and strategic sectors. The EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, noted that diplomatic engagement with Iran will likely stay open even after the IRGC’s designation.

    The EU’s crackdown on the IRGC follows France’s approval of similar measures, joining Italy in shifting toward this stance. Israel lauds the move as a “historic decision,” aligning with classifications made by the US, Canada, and Australia.

    France was initially cautious, fearing repercussions for Europeans detained in Iran and aiming to maintain diplomatic ties. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that “there can be no impunity for the crimes committed,” calling on Iranian authorities to release prisoners, halt executions, and cease violent repression.

    He also urged Tehran to lift the internet blackout and restore the people’s ability to shape their future. The EU has already sanctioned hundreds of Iranian officials and entities over past protests and Iran’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    While senior IRGC members are already subject to EU sanctions, adding the organization to the terror blacklist is expected to have limited practical impact on its operations.

  • Iran Guards Set ‘Red Line’ on Security Amid Unrest Crackdown

    Iran Guards Set ‘Red Line’ on Security Amid Unrest Crackdown

    Pro-government demonstrators were seen chanting slogans in Ardabil, located in northwest Iran, as depicted in the photo from AFP. The Iranian military has stated that it will safeguard public property and maintain order. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expressed support for “the brave people of Iran,” while human rights organizations have recorded at least 65 deaths and approximately 2,500 arrests during the recent protests.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning Saturday that protecting security is a “red line,” with the military committing to defend public property amid efforts to suppress the widespread unrest, which marks the most significant in years. These statements followed a new warning from President Donald Trump to Iran’s leadership on Friday and Rubio’s declaration of support for Iranian protesters over the weekend.

    Violence continued overnight, with state media reporting a municipal building set ablaze in Karaj, west of Tehran, blaming “rioters.” State television broadcast footage from funeral services for security personnel killed in protests across Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan.

    Over the past two weeks, protests have erupted across much of Iran, initially driven by soaring inflation but quickly evolving into a broader political movement demanding an end to clerical rule. Authorities have accused the U.S. and Israel of inciting the unrest, while human rights groups have documented dozens of protesters killed.

    The government has continued to enforce an internet blackout. A witness in western Iran, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, reported that Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) forces were deployed and firing live rounds in the area.

    In a public statement, the IRGC accused “terrorists” of targeting military and law enforcement bases over the last two nights, resulting in multiple casualties and property damage. The forces emphasized that protecting the achievements of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and maintaining security are “red lines,” indicating that further unrest is unacceptable.

    The military, which reports separately from the IRGC but is also under the command of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announced it would take measures to “protect and safeguard national interests, vital infrastructure, and public property.”

  • Iran Guards Confirm Seizure of Oil Tanker in the Gulf

    Iran Guards Confirm Seizure of Oil Tanker in the Gulf

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced on Saturday that they have detained an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf near their coast, just one day after security firms indicated they might be responsible.

    The IRGC released a statement stating, “Yesterday at 7:30 AM, following a judicial order to confiscate the cargo of an oil tanker named Talara, flying the Marshall Islands flag, the IRGC naval rapid response units monitored, intercepted, and seized it.” They added that the vessel was found to be in violation of legal regulations by transporting unauthorized cargo—specifically, 30,000 tons of petrochemical materials en route to Singapore.

    The ship had left Ajman in the United Arab Emirates and was heading south through the Strait of Hormuz when it was approached by three small vessels. The ship then made a sudden change in course, according to maritime security company Ambrey.

    The U.S. Navy confirmed it was “closely observing the situation.” The U.S. 5th Fleet stressed that commercial ships generally have the right to navigate freely and conduct commerce on international waters.

    The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has been the site of similar incidents in the past. Last year, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship believed to be linked to Israel, following a deadly attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria that Israel was accused of orchestrating.