EU lists Iran's Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organization

The European Union has designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization and sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, EU foreign ministers said unanimously.

The European Union has listed Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced. She said foreign ministers agreed unanimously and linked the move to Tehran's violent response to nationwide protests. The EU also imposed sanctions on 15 Iranian officials and several organizations, including asset freezes and travel bans. Key facts: - EU foreign ministers unanimously agreed to the designation, according to Kaja Kallas. - The measures include sanctions on 15 Iranian officials and six organizations, with assets frozen and travel to Europe banned. - The EU statement places the Guard on the same formal footing as groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State, as noted by officials. - Iran criticized the decision and there were reports of a planned naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran had no immediate official comment. Summary: The EU action signals a step to increase diplomatic pressure on Tehran and expands restrictive measures against the Revolutionary Guard. Undetermined at this time.