European Parliament President Roberta Mecola called on EU leaders today to increase pressure on the Iranian regime, saying the EU should not wait for the US to take measures, including sanctions and designating the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.
In an interview with Euronews, Mecola said that the Iranian regime is "on its last legs" and that 2026 should be the year when dictatorships will end.
"We are appalled by what is happening in Iran and we cannot stand idly by as we see the regime using violence, repression and abuse to suppress what we consider fundamental freedoms," said the EP President.
On Monday, Mecola banned Iranian diplomats from entering the premises of the European Parliament and called on the EU to respond quickly to the regime's violent crackdown on protesters.
"We have seen violence, murders, and that is something we will not tolerate," Mezzola said.
According to data from non-governmental organizations, more than 2.500 people have died in the protests in Iran, but this data is difficult to verify because the regime has cut off telephone lines and the internet.
Mecola said that the European Parliament has long advocated for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to be placed on the EU's list of terrorist organizations, which requires a unanimous decision by all member states.
"This has been the position of the European Parliament for many years, ever since we saw brave women on the streets of Iran calling for respect for their freedom, rights and dignity," said Mecola, referring to the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement and the mass demonstrations in 2022 following the murder of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly wearing the hijab incorrectly.
Asked whether the EU should wait for the US to finalize its plans for possible military intervention in Iran, which President Donald Trump has mentioned as an option, Mezzola said the EU should take action now.
Mezzola pointed out that the EU has an opportunity to show its firmness, strength and clear support for freedoms and to be a player in the region by supporting the protesters and punishing the perpetrators.
"We think that 2026 should be the year when dictatorships will be over. And this is a golden moment for the EU, for member states, for governments to say that this regime, as the German Chancellor said, is on its last legs. We completely agree with that and we should move on," Mezzola said.
She added that she supports the Iranian people, but that it is up to the citizens of Iran to decide how change will come about.
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