EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is set to present a new package of sanctions against Iran as early as today, in response to Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, diplomatic sources told Euronews.
The proposed measures will fall under the European Union’s human rights sanctions regime and will expand an already extensive framework of travel bans and asset freezes targeting Iranian officials and entities responsible for serious human rights abuses.
Thousands Killed in Protests
Kallas earlier this week signalled her readiness to pursue additional sanctions after protests erupted nearly two weeks ago over Iran’s deepening currency crisis. According to a US-based human rights organisation, at least 2,571 people have been killed since demonstrations began, although unofficial estimates suggest the true figure could be several times higher.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that “the killings are stopping” and that executions would not take place, though he did not provide details or identify sources.
Sanctions Regime to Be Expanded
The new measures would add to existing EU sanctions imposed on Iran for:
- Severe human rights violations
- Nuclear proliferation activities
- Military support for Russia, including the supply of Iranian-made drones used in attacks against Ukraine
So far, the EU has sanctioned more than 230 Iranian individuals, including Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi, as well as over 40 entities and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Although the IRGC is not yet formally designated as a terrorist organisation by the EU, the option remains under consideration.
Ministerial Talks Later This Month
EU foreign affairs ministers are expected to discuss the proposed sanctions at their next meeting on January 29, chaired by Kaja Kallas, where a final decision could be taken on the scope and timing of the new measures.
