Tehran, Iran – The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, today to deliver a strongly worded protest note regarding statements by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in which he threatened to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The Tasnim News Agency reported that the Director General for Western European Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Alireza Yousefi, conveyed Tehran’s “strong protest” to the Italian ambassador over what he described as “irresponsible positions.”
During the meeting, Yousefi emphasized that the IRGC is an integral and official part of the Iranian armed forces. He also warned that any designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization could lead to “grave consequences.” He called on Italy to rectify its reckless approach toward Tehran.
Background to the escalation
This escalation follows firm statements by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who stressed that the recent revelations about the scale of human losses during the protests in Iran necessitate a clear international response. Tajani announced via the “X” platform that he would formally propose, during the European Council on Foreign Affairs meeting and in coordination with partners, the inclusion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the list of terrorist organizations. Furthermore, he would propose imposing individual sanctions on those responsible for what he described as “heinous acts” against the protesters.
Expected repercussions
Observers believe this escalation puts Italian-Iranian relations at a critical juncture, given that Italy has traditionally been a key trading partner in Europe. However, the human rights situation and recent protests have prompted Rome to adopt a more assertive stance, aligning with Western positions.
