Several European countries that had previously blocked the European Union from designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terror organization were threatened to do so by the IRGC Quds Force, according to several political sources.
According to the sources, the countries had been warned by the Quds Force, a branch of the IRGC that operates abroad, that "there could be consequences" should the designation go through.
However, they also noted that some of those opposed to labeling the IRGC as a terrorist organization are of the belief that there should always be a line of communication between Europe and Iran, and that severing ties between the two is not the way to influence the country.
The sources further explained that the IRGC, along with individuals and entities connected to it, is now subject to sanctions.
"This decision is unprecedented. The IRGC is an integral part of the regime. It’s significant that this comes from the EU, given that the IRGC has companies and influence within the state," one source said.
"It sells oil abroad, and the money flows directly to it. It is there to ensure the regime’s survival in Tehran."
Beyond the decision itself, the sources pointed out that there is also a dimension of support for the Iranian protesters who have taken to the streets.
"Iran has threatened Europe," the sources added.
According to them, the significance of the EU's decision can be broken down into three parts: the operational aspect, the activities of IRGC-affiliated bodies within EU countries become more complicated, if not impossible; the economic aspect, the IRGC controls a significant portion of Iran’s economy, and it will now face greater difficulty operating in Europe, and the political and ideological aspect, as the main goal of this influential body within Iran is terrorism.
IRGC's European proxies mainly target Israeli interests
"The [Iranian] protesters received a boost of motivation," the sources said, further explaining that the IRGC's method of operation in Europe involved proxies with dual citizenship, including Afghans and Pakistanis, and ties to criminal organizations.
According to one of the sources, these criminal organizations have primarily targeted Israeli interests in Northern Europe, and now that the EU is focused on the IRGC, they are likely to lose some of their motivation.
"On the other hand, the main challenges are in enforcement and implementation," the source went on. "The longer European countries delay implementing the EU's decision, the less effective it will be."
"We need to make sure the message gets across that it [IRGC] is being pursued."
Araghchi denounces EU designation of IRGC as terrorist
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the EU's decision to designate the IRGC as terrorists in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday.
"Europe is... busy fanning the flames. After pursuing 'snapback' at the behest of the US, it is now making another major strategic mistake by designating our National Military as a supposed "terrorist organization," he affirmed.
"Several countries are presently attempting to avert the eruption of all-out war in our region. None of them are European," he stated.
"Putting aside the blatant hypocrisy of its selective outrage, taking zero action in response to Israel's Genocide in Gaza and yet rushing to "defend human rights" in Iran, Europe's PR stunt mainly seeks to cloak the fact that it is an actor in severe decline," he accused.
"Moreover, as the continent is certain to be massively impacted by an all-out war in our region, including the knock-on effects of surging energy prices, the EU's current posture is deeply damaging to its own interests," he continued.
"Europeans deserve better than what their governments have to offer," he concluded.