EU decision on IRGC triggers calls in Iran to oust European diplomats

Iran’s Kayhan newspaper, which is controlled by a representative of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has called for the expulsion of European Union ambassadors from Tehran in response to the EU’s decision to classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

According to Iran International, Kayhan said such a step would effectively amount to a break in diplomatic relations with Europe. The newspaper described the EU’s move as “hostile and illegal.”

On January 29, the European Union officially designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, intensifying pressure on Tehran over its violent suppression of mass protests and its backing of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced the decision following a meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels.

The EU’s action came amid ongoing unrest in Iran. In late December 2025, large-scale anti-government demonstrations erupted across the country, initially sparked by soaring inflation, rising food prices, and the collapse of the national currency. The protests quickly spread to dozens of cities, including Tehran, as public anger expanded to include broader grievances over economic mismanagement and political repression.

Human rights organisations and international media outlets have reported that thousands of people were killed during the security forces’ crackdown on the demonstrations.

By Tamilla Hasanova