A call for unified action against Iran's regime: Belgium leads EU foreign policy

On 19 April 2024, Belgium’s Senate adopted a landmark resolution on human rights violations in Iran. While the topic is not new, this was the first resolution in a European country explicitly calling for the designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Following eight months of negotiations between various political parties, Belgium reached a consensus on promoting human rights, advocating for the IRGC’s terrorist designation at the EU level, and establishing a united stance against Iran’s hostage-taking diplomacy, writes Ali Bagheri, Ph.D. president of the International Freedom of Speech Alliance.
Photo: (c) flickr: Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the Iranian democratic opposition, met with General James Jones, former National Security Advisor to the US President; General Keith Kellogg, former National Security Advisor to the US Vice President and the President; and General Tod D. Wolters, NATO Commander (2019–2022) at the Paris International Conference -13 January 2025

Although these developments in Belgium did not dominate headlines, they set a precedent for other nations. Recent actions in the U.S. and Spain mark a pivotal shift in the international response to Iran’s oppressive regime. The Spanish Senate Foreign Affairs Committee’s resolution and bipartisan support for House Resolution 166 (H. Res. 166) in the U.S. Congress outline a clear and decisive policy approach that should shape the global response to Iran’s dictatorship.

A collective approach to the Iranian regime

Similar to Belgium’s resolution, the Spanish Senate has condemned the systemic oppression suffered by the Iranian people under a theocratic regime that has suppressed political, religious, and social dissent for over 45 years. It highlights the grim reality that Iran is responsible for 74% of all executions worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated international action. Meanwhile, H. Res. 166 in the U.S. calls for a "democratic, secular, and non-nuclear" Iran through regime change. During a recent congressional hearing titled The Future of Iran, Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), presented a compelling case for supporting the Iranian resistance. Her testimony was not merely symbolic; it reinforced the legitimacy of Iran’s opposition movement and the need for global solidarity. Rajavi emphasized the regime’s vulnerability, stating, "Iranian society is on the brink of an uprising," and warning that the regime is at its weakest point in decades.

The resolution in the U.S. Congress, backed by over 150 lawmakers, reinforces this perspective. It identifies the Iranian regime as a primary source of terrorism and instability in the Middle East and calls for stronger sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations. More significantly, it asserts that the ultimate solution lies in empowering the Iranian people to establish a secular, democratic government. H. Res. 166 upholds the Iranian people's fundamental right to determine their political future, as articulated in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It urges the international community to recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist the IRGC and the regime’s repressive forces in pursuit of democracy. These measures are critical in holding the Iranian regime accountable and supporting the aspirations of its people for freedom and self-determination.

A shift in EU policy

European nations must take heed of these developments and adopt a similar roadmap—one that Belgium is well-positioned to lead. The resolutions from the U.S., Spain, and Belgium should serve as a blueprint for a unified European response. The European Union must intensify its diplomatic efforts, impose targeted sanctions against the IRGC, and acknowledge the Iranian resistance as a legitimate force for change. By doing so, Europe can align itself with the growing global movement advocating for a free and democratic Iran.

The time for action is now

The resolutions from the Spanish Senate and the U.S. Congress provide a comprehensive strategy for confronting Iran’s repressive regime. Supporting the Iranian resistance and holding the regime accountable is not only a moral obligation but a strategic necessity. European nations must step up, adopting policies that reflect the urgent need for change in Iran. The fight for a free Iran is not just the responsibility of Iranians—it is a global imperative. By standing together, the international community can help bring about a future where the Iranian people live in dignity, freedom, and peace.

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