The measures will augment a broad EU sanctions system aimed at Iran concerning human rights abuses, nuclear programs, and backing Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has indicated the bloc’s readiness to advocate for additional sanctions against Iran, following a crackdown reportedly resulting in hundreds of deaths since protests commenced nearly two weeks ago.
Both Kallas and the European External Action Service (EEAS) confirmed to Euronews that they are “prepared to suggest further sanctions,” building on the already extensive sanctions imposed on Iran.
This initiative emerges amid a rising death toll connected to demonstrations that began on 28 December, triggered by the collapse of the Iranian rial.
According to a report from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, over 10,600 individuals have been arrested throughout the two-week protest period. Among the fatalities, 48 were security forces and 496 were protesters.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently stated that Brussels continues to “monitor” the events, reinforcing an earlier appeal from Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who was the first EU official to call on Europe to “recognize its responsibility and the imperative to take action.”
The EU has established a comprehensive sanction framework against Iran—mostly consisting of travel restrictions and freezing of assets—in reaction to severe human rights breaches, nuclear advancement activities, and Iran’s military assistance to Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine.
More than 230 Iranian individuals have been sanctioned by the bloc, including the interior minister Ahmad Vahidi, members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and upwards of 40 other organizations.
Nonetheless, the EU’s stance on the current unrest contrasts markedly with the military threats issued by the US.
US President Donald Trump recently stated he would impose “severe measures” if Iranian authorities kill protesters. While no final decision has surfaced, US media report that the president is being briefed on fresh military strike options within Iran.