The European Parliament has strongly condemned Iran’s violent repression of protesters, denouncing what lawmakers describe as mass killings, widespread arrests and
a dangerous escalation in the regime’s tactics against dissent.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday by an overwhelming majority — 562 votes in favour, nine against and 57 abstentions — Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed outrage at the Iranian authorities’ response to nationwide protests. They demanded an immediate end to violence against peaceful demonstrators, a halt to executions, and the unconditional release of all detainees, including protesters, journalists and human rights defenders.
MEPs said they stand in full solidarity with the Iranian people and their “brave and legitimate” protest movement, condemning the security forces’ use of force as widespread, deliberate and grossly disproportionate. The resolution directly holds the leadership under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responsible for the ongoing repression.
From deterrence to “strategic elimination”
Parliament warned that the killing of thousands of protesters marks a chilling shift in the regime’s approach — from intimidating dissent to what lawmakers describe as the “strategic elimination” of opposition voices. This escalation, MEPs said, signals a grave deterioration of human rights in the country.
The resolution calls on the EU Council to move swiftly to fully designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its Basij militia and Quds Force, as terrorist organisations. Lawmakers also urged the expansion and strict enforcement of EU sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against officials and entities responsible for the repression. They welcomed recent US sanctions and pressed for rapid, coordinated EU action.
Internet shutdowns and censorship condemned
MEPs also criticised Tehran’s efforts to silence protests through internet blackouts and digital censorship. They called on the EU and its member states to significantly increase technical and financial support for tools that help Iranians bypass censorship and protect themselves from cyber surveillance and information manipulation.
Call for UN access and accountability
Highlighting Iran’s decades-long pattern of systematic repression — particularly against women, political dissidents and human rights activists — Parliament reiterated its demand that Tehran grant immediate and unhindered access to the UN-mandated fact-finding mission. The mission is tasked with investigating serious crimes under international law, including murder, torture, rape and enforced disappearances allegedly used to crush dissent.
MEPs also called for stronger diplomatic engagement and an enhanced EU presence to offer protection, humanitarian aid and support to individuals at risk. At the same time, they condemned Iran’s destabilising activities across the Middle East, warning that Tehran remains a major threat to regional security and a key obstacle to peace.
No normalisation without reforms
The resolution concludes by stressing that any normalisation of relations with Iran must be conditional on the unconditional release of political prisoners and tangible progress toward democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Lawmakers welcomed European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s decision to bar representatives of the Iranian regime from Parliament’s premises and urged EU member states to adopt similar measures.
The message from Strasbourg was clear: without accountability and real reform, Iran should expect deeper isolation rather than renewed engagement.