The European Parliament has banned all Iranian diplomats and government representatives from its premises, President Roberta Metsola announced on Monday, stating that the “brave people of Iran” need more than just solidarity.
The move comes amid nationwide protests in Iran that began in late December following a sharp depreciation of the national currency. The rallies have escalated into deadly clashes, with mosques, medical centers, and government buildings torched across the country in what Western officials still describe as a peaceful protest movement.
“Today I have taken the decision to ban all diplomatic staff and any other representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran from all European Parliament premises,” Metsola wrote in a post on X.
“The people of Iran can continue to rely on this Parliament for support, solidarity, and action,” Metsola wrote in a separate letter to MEPs, seen by Politico.
The ban is effective immediately and applies to all parliamentary buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg. “This House will not aid in legitimising this regime,” she stated, explaining that anyone with an Iranian passport will be checked at the door, and those found to be working for the government will be denied access.
“Those braving the streets, those political prisoners still detained, need more than just solidarity,” Metsola added, calling for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be designated as a terrorist organization and for EU sanctions to be extended against more Iranian officials.
US President Donald Trump has also issued a series of statements in recent days in support of the Iranian people’s quest for “freedom.” He claimed that the US is “locked and loaded” to intervene and vowed that the US will “start shooting” if the Iranian authorities open fire on “peaceful protesters.”
The Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of hijacking the protests to unleash a “terrorist war” against the country. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said armed infiltrators aided by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency have shot Iranian security forces and civilian bystanders “to give an excuse” for Trump to intervene militarily.
On Monday, Araghchi told foreign ambassadors that Iran is “prepared for war” but also “ready for negotiations” with the US.