In an interview with Euronews' flagship show Europe Today, European Parliament President Metsola stated that the EU must not delay in taking firm measures against the Iranian regime — including sanctions and classifying the Revolutionary Guard as terrorists. "The regime is on its last legs."

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola urged EU leaders to escalate pressure on the Iranian regime amid its suppression of protesters, asserting in an interview with Euronews that the reign of «dictators will conclude in 2026.»

Metsola has delivered some of the strongest criticisms against the Iranian regime among Brussels institutions, suggesting that immediate sanctions be imposed and that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard should be added to the EU’s terrorist entities list.

“We are horrified by the events unfolding in Iran and cannot remain passive while the regime resorts to violence, repression, and violations to suppress freedoms we consider fundamental,” she said on Europe Today, the flagship morning program.

Earlier in the week, the European Parliament’s president banned Iranian diplomats from entering its buildings. She also appealed to the EU for a prompt reaction to the harsh crackdown on Iranian protesters, which international actors have condemned as a red line. Activist groups estimate over 2,000 fatalities.

Confirming these numbers independently is challenging as the regime has cut off phone and internet communications in a widespread media blackout within Iran.

“We have witnessed acts of violence and assassinations, actions that are intolerable,” she stated during a conversation with Euronews at the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels.

In response to the brutal suppression, the EU is evaluating a proposal to classify Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, triggering additional punitive actions.

Metsola expressed support for this designation, noting that the European Parliament has long advocated for labeling Iran’s most feared military force as terrorist. A 2023 resolution called for the IRGC’s inclusion on the EU terrorist list.

“This stance has been held by the European Parliament for many years, especially since the courageous women appeared in the streets of Iran demanding liberty, rights, and dignity,” Metsola remarked, referring to the Women, Life, Freedom movement that arose following the assassination of Mahsa Amini.

She described the Iranian regime as being «on its last legs,» highlighting the EU’s “golden” chance to affirm its dedication to freedom by supporting protesters and sanctioning those responsible.

Metsola advised that the EU should not wait for the United States to finalize its plans regarding potential actions in Iran, an option previously floated by President Donald Trump, before moving forward.

She also reiterated remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested that the regime could be in its “final weeks” and “effectively finished” if it depends solely on force to survive.

“How these events unfold is for the Iranian people to decide, not for us. However, support must be given,” she affirmed. “If not now, then when?”

“2026 will mark the end of dictatorships,” she concluded.