Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t? Strategic Implications of Designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organisation

This policy brief explores the complexities and consequences of the European Union (EU) potentially designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. It provides background on the IRGC's significant influence within Iran and involvement in terrorist activities. The brief compares US and EU approaches to sanctions and outlines the legal criteria for such a designation. It evaluates the potential impact on the IRGC, including its economic activities and international relations, and the broader implications for the EU, such as judicial cooperation and diplomatic relations. The document concludes with strategic considerations and policy recommendations for the EU.