Iran Calls on EU to Show Respect for IRGC

During a telephone conversation with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Wednesday,‌ Amir Abdollahian said Israel's crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should immediately stop. 

He also stressed the need for a serious regional and international actions with the actual role of the United Nations by taking into account the demands and aspirations of Palestine.

The minister also stressed Iran's military strikes against the Zionist regime were part of Tehran's legitimate defense. 

Highlighting the IRGC’s constructive role in establishing lasting lasting security and stability and fighting terrorism in the region, the Iranian diplomat asked the EU to respect the Iranian Armed Forces within the framework of international law.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning Iran’s drone and missile strikes against the Israeli regime, in a vote of 357-20, and urged further sanctions to be imposed on Iranian entities.

The resolution also reiterated the European Parliament’s long-standing call to include the IRGC on the EU list of terrorist organizations.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed terrorism would have plagued entire Europe if the IRGC had not taken action against Daesh terrorists. 

They emphasized that the IRGC has been involved in the fight against terror more than any other military force, adding that the entity is threatened by the sponsors of terrorism, above all the Israeli regime and the United States.

Last year, Tehran warned the European Union of reciprocal measures after the European Parliament voted to add the IRGC to the EU's terror list.

Iran stressed the Europeans will have to suffer the consequences of repeating their past mistakes as the continent owes its security and stability to the IRGC.

“The parliament (of Iran) is working to place elements of European countries’ armies on the terrorist list,” Amir Abdollahian said in January 2023.

“The European Parliament shot‌ itself in the foot,” Iran's top diplomat continued, adding that the response would be “reciprocal.”

During the phone call, Borrell stressed that the Eu does not want tension with Iran, and welcomes Tehran’s constructive measures and steps amid the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides.

He also praised Iran's positive role in reducing tensions and restoring peace to the region.