EU top diplomat to propose new sanctions on Iran amid deadly crackdown

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has signaled plans to push for additional sanctions against Iran in response to a government crackdown that has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives since protests erupted nearly two weeks ago.

“The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran — on those responsible for human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation activities and Tehran’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine — and I am prepared to propose additional sanctions in response to the regime’s brutal repression of protestors,” Kallas told POLITICO.

Her comments represent the most forceful stance yet from an EU official regarding Iran’s violent response to the demonstrations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said over the weekend that Brussels was “monitoring” the situation, while European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote on X that “Europe must understand its duty and need to act.”

The remarks come amid a rising death toll. Oslo-based rights group Iran Human Rights reported on January 11 that nearly 200 protesters had been killed since demonstrations began on December 28, while other organizations estimate the number exceeds 500.

“The regime has a track-record of crushing protests, and we see a heavy-handed response by the security forces,” Kallas said. “Citizens are fighting for a future of their own choosing and risking everything to be heard.”

The protests initially erupted over surging inflation but have since evolved into calls for an end to the clerical rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state-linked media have reported the use of live ammunition against demonstrators, describing the violence as causing “mass casualties.”

On January 9, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron:

“We are deeply concerned about reports of violence by Iranian security forces, and strongly condemn the killing of protestors,” the leaders said.

By Vafa Guliyeva