Former Iranian hostage and humanitarian worker Olivier Vandecaesteele has called on the European Union to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, saying that stronger measures are necessary to pressure the Islamic Republic and limit its influence over international policymakers.
In an interview with Euronews, Vandecaesteele criticized the EU and its member states for not responding effectively to systematic and widespread attacks on unarmed civilians during protests in Iran, arguing that current sanctions and political isolation have been insufficient.
“The playbook scenario repeats itself with impunity: crackdown, blackout, killings, mass arrests, and executions. We need to change gear,” Vandecaesteele said, describing the regime’s actions as potentially crimes against humanity.
Calls for Tougher Measures
Vandecaesteele, a Belgian national, urged the EU to:
- Cut all diplomatic ties with Iran
- Expel regime representatives from EU institutions
- Halt all cooperation with Tehran
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms, including the United Nations fact-finding mission on Iran
- List the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a measure repeatedly voted for in the European Parliament but never enacted
“I know from experience that a number of Iranian interlocutors are still actively seeking to exert influence in places like Brussels, Geneva and New York in support of the regime’s agenda,” he said.
Vandecaesteele emphasized that sanctions should target the regime, not the impoverished population, warning that Tehran uses economic hardship to blame foreign powers for domestic suffering.
Personal Experience Highlights Iran’s Repression
Vandecaesteele was held captive in Iran for 456 days, initially sentenced to 28 years in 2022 and then 40 years in 2023, accused of espionage. The United Nations concluded that he was a victim of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and other ill-treatment.
“When one is detained in Iran, you’re not just fighting one man at a time, you’re fighting a whole machine where everyone is against you. And you are cut from the rest of the world,” he explained.
He described Iran’s system as fully unified in protecting the regime: intelligence services, foreign affairs, justice system, Revolutionary Guard, and state media all function in tandem.
From Protests to Revolution
Vandecaesteele noted that protests, which began on December 28, have grown into what he calls a revolution, with strong support across the country. NGOs estimate that thousands have been killed in the crackdown.
“Iranians are powerful enough to lead their country by themselves. External intervention could only help the regime sustain itself,” he added.
In 2024, Vandecaesteele founded the NGO Protect Humanitarians, advocating for stronger protection of humanitarian workers worldwide.
