WANA (Jan 29) – Foreign ministers of the European Union have approved a new round of sanctions against Iran, citing Tehran’s alleged support for Russia and what they described as Iran’s handling of recent unrest in the country.

 

According to reports, EU foreign ministers are also expected to reach a political agreement on designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under the bloc’s framework.

 

The decision comes despite the absence of any reference to acts of violence and what Iranian officials describe as inhumane attacks carried out by individuals linked to Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, against Iranian security forces and civilians during the unrest.

 

Iranian sources say that security personnel and ordinary citizens were targeted and killed during protests that were initially recognized by the government as legitimate demonstrations.

 

On December 29, the official Persian-language account of Mossad posted on social media, stating, “We are with you in the streets,” a message Iranian officials interpret as direct interference by Israel in escalating violence during lawful public protests in Iran.

 

Three to four days later, on January 2, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a message on social media warning of intervention should protesters be killed—moves that Iranian officials say contributed to a surge in armed attacks against demonstrators and security forces alike.

 

The Iranian government has repeatedly stated that it recognises the right of individuals to express grievances and engage in peaceful protest. However, officials emphasise that no country, including Iran, would tolerate riots, destruction of public or private property, terrorist acts, attacks on law enforcement personnel, or any actions that endanger public safety and social order.

A mosque that was burned during Iran’s protests, in Tehran, Iran, January 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)