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Protest in Tehran (picture from September): Specifically, 31 people and institutions are said to be affected by the new sanctions
Photo: dpa
In view of the serious violations of human rights in Iran, the EU states have agreed on a new package of sanctions.
The committee of permanent representatives of the member states in Brussels unanimously approved the corresponding plans, as confirmed by several dpa diplomats.
The formal decision is to be taken on Monday without further discussion at a meeting of foreign ministers.
Specifically, 31 people and institutions are said to be affected by the punitive measures - including, for example, high-ranking representatives of the police and the Basij militias.
For example, entry bans are to be issued and assets in the EU are to be frozen.
Apparently 15,000 demonstrators arrested
The background to the sanctions is the brutal suppression of protests after the death of 22-year-old Iranian Mahsa Amini.
The vice squad arrested the woman on September 13 for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes.
Amini died in police custody on September 16.
Since her death, tens of thousands have been demonstrating across the country against the government's repressive course and the Islamic system of rule.
According to human rights activists, almost 15,000 participants in demonstrations have been arrested so far.
Read an overview of the protests here.
In Brussels, Germany in particular campaigned for the new sanctions package.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) had already announced in October that she wanted to tighten the course against Tehran and also announced work on new punitive measures.
On Wednesday, she wrote on Twitter: "We stand with the men & women of Iran, not just today, but: as long as it is necessary."
According to Baerbock, work is also being done to ensure that there is a special session on Iran in the UN Human Rights Council.
According to information from EU circles, the idea, also brought up by Baerbock, of classifying the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization should not be feasible in the short term.
The reason for this are open legal questions and reservations from other EU countries.
According to critics, the classification of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization could reduce the already slim chances of a continuation of the nuclear agreement with Iran.
This is intended to persuade Iran to permanently renounce the development of nuclear weapons.
Observers expect sharp reactions from Tehran if it is classified as a terrorist group.
As early as mid-October, the EU had decided on an initial package of sanctions in response to the latest developments.
It targeted the Iranian moral police and more than a dozen other individuals and organizations.
At that time, too, members of the Basij militias, which the EU held responsible for the deaths of several demonstrators, were sanctioned.
Specifically, the Iranian moral police have been accused of unlawful violence against women for violating Iran's laws on the wearing of the Islamic hijab, as well as of sexual and gender-based violence.
The task force also allegedly carried out arbitrary arrests and detentions and used excessive force and torture.
ani/dpa