Legal grounds for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation

Question for written answer E-000561/2026
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Charlie Weimers (ECR)

Since early 2023, Parliament has repeatedly called for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The former Vice President / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, repeatedly rejected Parliament's calls, arguing that such a designation can only be made following a decision by a Member State Court[1], or alternatively on the basis of a decision by a Member State administrative authority[2].

In the light of the facts set out above, and considering the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation on the 29 January 2026:

• 1.What specific decision by a national competent authority served as a basis for the Council's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation?
• 2.If no such national decision exists, did the former Vice President / High Representative misinform Parliament regarding the legal requirements for designation, or has the current Vice President / High Representative acted ultra vires in proceeding without such a prerequisite?
• 3.Alternatively, what concrete legal or material circumstances have changed since the previous Vice President / High Representative's statements that now permit the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in the absence of a decision by the competent authority of a Member State?

Submitted: 10.2.2026

• [1] EEAS, Foreign Affairs Council: Remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/foreign-affairs-council-remarks-high-representative-josep-borrell-upon-arrival-2_en.
• [2] EEAS, Iran/Israel: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP plenary, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/iranisrael-speech-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-ep-plenary_en.