The announcement from Paris comes amid growing international condemnation of Tehran’s crackdown on widespread protests and signals a tightening of European diplomatic pressure on the Iranian leadership. The IRGC, established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, plays a central role in the country’s military, economy, and political structure. It commands significant influence over ballistic missile and nuclear programs and has been involved in Iran’s foreign operations in the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the Italian ambassador earlier this week, reflecting the diplomatic strain the issue has already created. The debate over the IRGC’s status comes against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest protest movements in Iran’s recent history, sparked by economic hardship and political grievances.