The EU and Britain have increased sanctions against the Islamic Republic in reaction to its response to more than four months of demonstrations which have caused a severe deterioration in ties between Iran and Europe.
Meanwhile, the United States increased pressure on Tehran over its crackdown on demonstrations by imposing sanctions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cooperative Foundation and key Iranian officials on Monday.
Relations between Iran and the West had historically been strained over a variety of topics, including its contentious nuclear program, its involvement in local crises, and the arrest of foreigners and dual citizens.
The hardline attitude taken by Britain, France, and Germany incensed Tehran, which accused Western powers of inciting the protests and riots in response.
The EU imposed its fourth wave of sanctions on Tehran on Monday, adding 37 more Iranian officials and businesses to the blacklist for asset freezes and visa bans.
On the same day, Britain added five additional Iranian officials to its list of sanctioned parties, bringing the total to 50.
Despite requests from Germany and the Netherlands, the 27-nation EU had so far refrained from designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
Iran had been facing protests and sanctions since September last year after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after getting arrested for breaking the Islamic code of clothing.
