Yemen welcomes Europe's designation of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization
The internationally recognized Yemeni government welcomed the European Parliament’s decision to include the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on the list of terrorist organizations, considering this step an important development in the international approach to dealing with the threats posed by the Iranian regime and its military arms in the region and the world.
The Yemeni Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement that this European move is consistent with the Yemeni government’s continued demands for a firm stance to be taken against Iran’s blatant interference in Yemeni affairs and its continued support for the Houthi militias with money, weapons and military expertise, which has prolonged the war and exacerbated the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people.
Background and context of the European decision
The European Parliament's overwhelming vote in favor of this resolution comes at a time of escalating tensions between Tehran and Western capitals. This European stance stems from several key factors, most notably the Iranian authorities' suppression of internal popular protests, as well as intelligence reports confirming Tehran's involvement in supplying Russia with drones used in the war against Ukraine, which the European Union considers a direct threat to international peace and security.
Iran's role in Yemen and the region
For years, the Yemeni government and the Arab Coalition have accused the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of playing a pivotal role in destabilizing Yemen by transforming it into a launchpad for ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Observers believe that designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization would severely restrict the smuggling networks Iran uses to transfer advanced weaponry to the Houthis, in flagrant violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Strategic importance and expected impact
This European move carries significant political and legal implications, paving the way for stricter economic and political sanctions against entities and individuals linked to the Revolutionary Guard. Regionally, this decision sends a reassuring message to Arab states that have long suffered from Iranian interference, and underscores a growing international consensus on the need to curb Iran's destabilizing influence in the Middle East.
In conclusion, Yemeni political circles called on the European Union and the international community to move from the stage of condemnation and non-binding resolutions to taking urgent executive measures to ensure the cessation of the flow of Iranian weapons to Yemen, and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its continued violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
