The European Union agreed Thursday to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, following Germany’s call for swift legal implementation. The move coincides with fresh sanctions targeting Iranian officials involved in suppressing nationwide protests and supporting Russia militarily.

EU leaders cited the IRGC’s role in violent crackdowns that have left thousands dead since late December. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the designation “long overdue,” accusing Tehran of crushing dissent with bloodshed. Sanctions now target Iran’s interior minister, senior IRGC commanders, judges, and cyber officials tied to censorship.

The U.S. and Canada previously labeled the IRGC a terrorist group. Advocacy groups like United Against Nuclear Iran urged the U.K. to follow suit. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, defended the IRGC as an anti-terrorism force. Markets may see indirect impacts through energy sectors and regional security funds.