BRUSSELS — Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that Spain supports designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization on the European Union's list, emphasizing Madrid's backing for "all sanctions" against Tehran in response to ongoing domestic repression.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Albares described Spain's position as "long-standing and unequivocal." "Spain supports all the sanctions on Iran at this moment," he stated, explicitly including "those that refer to the inclusion on the list of terrorist groups of the Revolutionary Guard."
The minister argued that the Iranian regime's actions left little room for further assessment. "When we see the situation in Iran, when we see a blind, indiscriminate repression, arbitrary detentions, a situation for Iranian women that worries us terribly," Albares said, it becomes the EU's "responsibility and, if you allow me, obligation" to respond decisively.
He highlighted Spain's consistent calls since the outset of protests for respect of "freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful demonstration of all Iranians," commending the "great courage" of demonstrators. Albares insisted that arbitrary detentions must cease immediately and warned that "any execution would be an authentic red line for Spain and for Europe."
The remarks align with growing momentum within the EU to add the IRGC—the powerful military, economic, and political force in Iran—to the bloc's terrorist designations, which already include groups such as al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. High Representative Kaja Kallas indicated earlier on Thursday that new sanctions were forthcoming, with expectations of agreement on listing the IRGC during the Council session.
Spain's stance follows similar signals from France and Italy, which had previously been more cautious but recently shifted support. This convergence among key member states has removed significant hurdles to unanimous approval required for such designations.
The push reflects mounting concerns over Iran's internal crackdown on protests, which erupted in late 2025 amid economic hardship, currency collapse, and demands for political freedoms. Reports of mass arrests, executions, restrictions on women, and internet blackouts have drawn widespread condemnation.
Albares's comments also come amid heightened regional tensions, including US military posturing in the Middle East and fears of escalation involving Iran. The EU's measures would impose asset freezes, travel bans, and other restrictions on IRGC entities and affiliates if adopted.
The Foreign Affairs Council agenda included discussions on Iran, alongside broader Middle East developments. Any decision to list the IRGC would mark a significant escalation in EU policy toward Tehran, aligning more closely with designations already in place by the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Spain's Foreign Ministry has long advocated for strong responses to human rights violations in Iran, viewing the IRGC as central to the regime's repressive apparatus. Albares reiterated that the EU must use "all instruments" available to support Iranian protesters and pressure the authorities to end abuses.
The minister's statement reinforces Madrid's commitment to multilateral action through the EU framework, while underscoring that continued repression risks further isolation for Iran on the international stage.
As ministers deliberate, the outcome could reshape EU-Iran relations, potentially complicating diplomatic channels amid ongoing nuclear concerns and regional proxy conflicts.
