EU leaders threaten tougher sanctions on Iran as protest death toll soars

The European Union is drafting new sanctions against Tehran as the death toll continues to rise from a crackdown on anti-government protests throughout Iran.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said the number of casualties was “horrifying.”

“I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restrictions of freedom,” she said on X. 

According to Iran Human Rights, an Oslo, Norway-based advocacy group, at least 648 protesters, including nine children under age 18, have been killed by government security officials in Iran since the protests began more than two weeks ago.

“The European Union has already listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in its entirety under its human rights sanctions regime,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “Further sanctions on those responsible for the repression will be swiftly proposed.”

She didn’t specify what additional restrictions could be imposed on the Islamic Republic. The EU has already placed arms embargoes, oil and entry trading bans, and financial constraints.

European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia, said Iranians are fighting for their future against a repressive regime in Tehran.

“Images from Tehran reveal a disproportionate and heavy-handed response by the security forces,” Ms. Kallas said this week on X. “Any violence against peaceful demonstrations is unacceptable.”