The European Parliament has announced a ban on Iranian diplomats following the government’s response to nationwide protests in Iran. President Roberta Metsola confirmed the measure in a post on X on Monday, 12 January.

“Those participating in the protests, and individuals still detained, require support,” Metsola said.

She added that the restriction applies to all diplomats, staff of diplomatic missions, government officials, and representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran at any European Parliament premises.

President Metsola noted that the ban will apply to all Parliament buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg.

The European Parliament will implement checks at its entrances for anyone holding an Iranian passport. Individuals identified as working for the Iranian government will be denied access, effective immediately.

The move comes amid growing international concern over Tehran’s crackdown on large-scale protests that have swept across the country in the past two weeks.

Over the weekend, President Metsola also highlighted the possibility of new EU sanctions in support of demonstrators, many of whom have called for an end to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule.

The bloc’s diplomatic service is now formally considering such measures.

Despite these discussions, questions remain over what urgent actions the EU will take beyond statements of solidarity, as the crisis in Iran continues to escalate.

Metsola also suggested the possibility of designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and expanding EU sanctions to target individuals involved in repression, violence, and executions.

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She emphasised that, as protests persist across Iran, the government’s response continues to include communication restrictions, reports of violence, killings, and arbitrary detentions.

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