Around the world, the death of Mahsa Amini in Tehran has sparked a powerful response. The 22-year-old woman died while in the custody of Iran’s morality police, and the ensuing crackdown on demonstrations drew immediate international attention. In Brussels, EU foreign ministers moved quickly, approving sanctions against a group of Iranian regime leaders and several organizations connected to suppressing protests. The decision followed Amini’s death, which occurred after authorities reportedly cited a veil-related violation as the cause for detention. Since then, authorities have reported a rising death toll in the protests, with activists and observers documenting a troubling spread of violence. EU officials emphasized that the bloc will take action to address serious human rights violations and to support those who seek accountability and reform.
Among those targeted are two senior moral police officials, Mohamed Rostami and Hajahmad Mirzaei, who had already faced sanctions from the United States and Canada in the days prior. The sanctions also named elements of the Iranian Security Forces and Corps (LEF), as well as other local patrons believed to be integral to the enforcement operations. Amini’s case has intensified scrutiny of the regime’s approach to dissent, and the EU signaled that additional individuals or entities could be added to the blacklist if new evidence or circumstances warrant it. Issa Zarepour, Iran’s Minister of Information Technologies and Communications, was sanctioned for directing actions that restricted access to the internet during the protests. EU foreign ministers stated they would widen the list if further violations are identified.
Banned from entering the EU
Under European regulations, those sanctioned are prohibited from entering the European Union and their assets within the EU may be frozen. The sanctions also restrict European citizens and businesses from providing financial support to those named or connected entities. The measures include an export ban on equipment that could be used for internal surveillance or monitoring telecommunications, aiming to curb tools that help suppress civil rights. By the date of the latest update, the sanctions covered 97 individuals and eight entities.
EU officials stated that the goal is to urge Iran to halt violent repression of peaceful protesters, to release detainees, and to allow free information flow, including unfettered internet access. They also called for a transparent accounting of casualties and detentions and for due process to be ensured for all detainees. The overarching demand remains that the investigation into Mahsa Amini’s death be thorough and that those responsible be held accountable. These positions were expressed as the bloc signaled readiness to apply further measures if needed.
During the meeting, topics tied to Iran did not dominate the agenda, and a related note from Ukraine’s foreign minister, delivered via video link, condemned Russia’s use of drones made in Iran. The minister called for continued scrutiny of such weapons and urged the alliance to prepare to respond with the tools available. EU leaders echoed that stance, affirming vigilance and readiness to act in alignment with verified information.