European Parliament bars Iranian representatives amid protests

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has announced a ban on Iranian diplomats and other representatives from entering European Parliament buildings in Brussels, citing concerns over human rights abuses by the Iranian authorities.

In a statement on X, Metsola said the decision was taken in response to ongoing repression in Iran and amid discussions within the European Union about imposing additional sanctions on Tehran, Caliber.Az reports.

“It cannot be business as usual,” she said, adding that the European Parliament “will not aid in legitimising this regime that has sustained itself through torture, repression and murder.”

It cannot be business as usual.

As the brave people of Iran continue to stand up for their rights and their liberty, today I have taken the decision to ban all diplomatic staff and any other representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran from all European Parliament premises.…

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 12, 2026

Over the weekend, Metsola also raised the possibility of expanding EU sanctions against Iran. According to her letter, the EU’s diplomatic service is currently considering new restrictive measures. One proposal under discussion is the designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, a move that would allow the EU to broaden sanctions to cover individuals involved in repression, violence and executions.

The developments come amid renewed unrest in Iran. Protests began in late December 2025 following a sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial. Demonstrations intensified from January 8 after calls by Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah who was overthrown in 1979, for protest marches across the country. On the same day, internet access stopped functioning nationwide.

In several Iranian cities, protests escalated into clashes with police and included slogans directed against Iran’s political system. Reports indicated casualties among both protesters and security forces.

By Sabina Mammadli