A prominent German politician is intensifying calls for a more robust European response to the ongoing unrest in Iran, arguing that current measures fall short of providing meaningful support to the Iranian people and opposition groups. Norbert Röttgen, Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group, voiced his concerns in an interview with T-Online, criticizing the EU’s comparatively limited actions compared to the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
Röttgen explicitly advocated for a significant escalation of pressure on the Iranian regime, suggesting a path mirroring some of the former U.S. president’s policies. He proposed the implementation of stricter sanctions and, controversially, the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization as concrete demonstrations of solidarity with the Iranian population. This move, while likely to draw condemnation from some quarters, would send a powerful symbolic message and potentially further isolate the regime financially and politically.
Röttgen’s assessment paints a stark picture of the current Iranian government, asserting that it is “at the end” and maintaining power solely through violence and intimidation. He frames the present wave of protests and dissent as a historically significant opportunity for Iranians to liberate themselves from the theocratic rule of the Mullahs.
The comments highlight a growing tension within European policy circles regarding Iran. While the EU has previously emphasized dialogue and diplomatic engagement, Röttgen’s forceful statement raises questions about the effectiveness of such approaches in the face of increasingly brutal repression and signals a potential shift towards a more assertive stance. The call for listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity is particularly noteworthy, as it would represent a significant departure and likely complicate already strained relations with Iran. This proposition carries substantial legal and diplomatic implications and its adoption would undoubtedly trigger intense debate and international scrutiny.
