Escalating Pressure: German CDU Politician Calls for Drastic Measures Against Iran
A prominent voice within Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is advocating for a significant intensification of pressure on Iran, signaling a hardening of the European stance amidst ongoing concerns over the nation’s nuclear program and human rights record. Jürgen Hardt, a leading figure in the CDU’s foreign policy wing, has publicly urged the immediate activation of the “snap-back mechanism” for sanctions against Iran, arguing the time for decisive action is now.
Speaking to RTL and ntv, Hardt emphasized that the mechanism, which allows for the reinstatement of pre-existing sanctions, was triggered months ago and its implementation is urgently required. This move directly challenges the current, more cautious approach favored by some within the European Union, which has sought to preserve channels for dialogue despite mounting anxieties.
Beyond sanctions, Hardt reiterated his call for the European Union to formally designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This proposal, consistently rejected by some EU member states due to concerns about disrupting diplomatic relations, reflects a growing sentiment within conservative circles that a more forceful stance is necessary to address Tehran’s destabilizing activities.
Significantly, Hardt also flagged the issue of Iran’s alleged transnational repression targeting Iranian exiles living in Germany. He argued the regime’s surveillance, intimidation and blackmail tactics are effectively suppressing internal opposition within Iran by extending their reach into Europe. He called for closer collaboration and enhanced coordination among German Interior Ministers to combat this issue effectively, alleging a direct link between the regime’s repressive actions and the lack of visible dissent against it.
Finally, Hardt insisted on a complete curtailment of Iran’s economic activity, indicating a desire for even stricter measures than currently in place. He expressed optimism that these policies, encompassing increased sanctions and stricter counter-measures against transnational repression, would be implemented “in the coming days” suggesting ongoing discussions among policymakers within the German government and potentially within the EU framework.
The CDU politician’s statements highlight a growing divergence in European approaches to Iran and place considerable pressure on the EU to adopt a more assertive foreign policy posture. The claims regarding transnational repression, if substantiated fully, could trigger a serious political backlash and demand a reassessment of Germany’s approach to protecting its own citizens and fostering democratic values.
