EU ministers to impose new package of sanctions against Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Jan 15:05

Playing the card of the US-led riots in Iran continues as part of a massive pressure campaign on the country.

European Union foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell speaks in Brussels on Monday, January 23, 2023. (AP)

Despite Iran's warnings, EU ministers agreed on a new package of sanctions against Iran on Monday, as per the Swedish EU presidency.

"Ministers adopted a new package of sanctions against Iran, targeting those driving the repression. The EU strongly condemns the brutal and disproportionate use of force by the Iranian authorities against peaceful protesters," the presidency tweeted, without providing further detail.

EU foreign ministers will impose 37 new measures against Iran at their meeting on Monday, Reuters reported citing sources.

Furthermore, the 27-nation bloc won’t classify Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist" organization, AP reported.

This comes shortly after a member of the Iranian Parliament threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers in retaliation against the European Parliament's measure targeting Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.

This is happening days after members of the European Parliament demanded that the EU classify Iran's IRGC as a "terrorist" organization.

Last Wednesday, the European Parliament held a session and voted on this proposal noting that the results are non-binding.

The vote was approved with 598 members voting in favor, 9 against, and 31 abstentions.