EU responds to repression in Iran: Von der Leyen announces sanctions against regime
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Iranian protesters and announced new sanctions against Iran for repression and its support of the war in Ukraine. Von der Leyen wrote about this on Twitter (X).
In this way, the European Commission President emphasized the European Union’s solidarity with the protesters.
"Europe stands in full solidarity with the brave women and men of Iran who are risking their lives to demand freedom for themselves and future generations," von der Leyen wrote.
She also reminded that the EU has already imposed extensive sanctions on Iran over human rights violations, its nuclear program, and support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. Measures included restrictions in the financial sector, bans on the export of certain technologies, and personal sanctions against high-ranking officials.
Currently, the European Commission is proposing new restrictions on the export of critical technologies for drones and missiles to limit Iran’s access to military resources. In addition, a package of additional sanctions is being prepared in response to the brutal suppression of protests in the country.
European leaders stress that these steps aim not only to punish the regime but also to support peaceful demonstrators, protect human rights, and prevent Iran from further developing military technologies that could be used for aggression.
Von der Leyen also called on the international community not to remain indifferent to the events in Iran and to continue exerting pressure on the authorities to ensure the safety of citizens and the country’s future.
Europe stands in full solidarity with the brave women and men of Iran who are risking their lives to demand freedom for themselves and future generations.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 20, 2026
The EU has already imposed far-reaching sanctions on Iran for human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, and its support…
Mass protests in Iran, including in Tehran, began in late December 2025, primarily due to the sudden collapse of the national currency — the Iranian rial — which caused a sharp rise in prices and an economic crisis.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly urged Iranians to continue anti-government protests, "seize institutions," and stated that aid for the protesters was "already on the way."
Later, Donald Trump said that Iran was "beginning" to cross his "red line."
