### EU Parliament Takes a Stand Against Iranian Diplomats Amid Ongoing Protests The European Parliament has enacted a ban on all Iranian diplomats and representatives from entering its premises, a decision announced by President Roberta Metsola on January 12, 2026. This action is a direct response to the violent repression of protests in Iran, which have escalated significantly in recent weeks. The protests, which began in late December 2025, have seen widespread unrest and have resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of at least 111 members of Iran's security forces, according to reports from the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The European Union (EU) is also preparing to impose new sanctions against Iran in light of these events, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen [https://www.rt.com/news/630877-eu-parliament-bans-iranian-diplomats][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3768023-eu-plans-swift-sanctions-over-iran-protest-repression]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Ban** - The ban on Iranian diplomats is a reaction to the Iranian regime's violent crackdown on protesters, which has drawn international condemnation. - President Metsola emphasized that the EU's response is aimed at showing solidarity with the Iranian people, who are facing severe repression [https://www.livemint.com/news/world/eu-parliament-takes-a-side-bans-all-iran-diplomats-reps-from-its-premises-as-anti-govt-protests-rage-on/amp-11768236046330.html][https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/01/12/european-parliament-bans-iranian-diplomats-to-avoid-legitimising-the-regime]. 2. **Details of the Protests** - Protests in Iran have entered their third week, with demonstrators openly challenging the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and calling for political change. - The protests have been marked by significant violence, with reports of clashes between security forces and protesters [https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/world-news/899380/eu-parliament-bans-iranian-diplomats-representatives-from-premises/en][https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/iran-eastern-states/artc-eu-parliament-bans-iranian-diplomats-and-representatives-from-its-facilities]. 3. **International Reactions and Future Actions** - The EU is not only banning Iranian diplomats but is also considering additional sanctions against Iran, including potentially designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. - The EU's actions reflect a broader international response to human rights violations in Iran, with various governments expressing solidarity with the protesters [https://www.euractiv.com/news/european-parliament-bans-iranian-diplomats-from-its-premises][https://athens-times.com/eu-blocks-iran-over-violent-protests-iranian-officials-banned-from-european-parliament]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualty Figures**: Reports indicate that at least **111 members of Iran's security forces** have been killed during the protests, highlighting the severity of the unrest [https://asianewstoday.com/european-parliament-bars-iranian-diplomats-from-its-premises]. - **Protest Duration**: The protests have been ongoing for **three weeks**, with demonstrators actively challenging the Iranian regime [https://www.livemint.com/news/world/eu-parliament-takes-a-side-bans-all-iran-diplomats-reps-from-its-premises-as-anti-govt-protests-rage-on/amp-11768236046330.html]. - **International Sanctions**: The EU is preparing to implement **new sanctions** as part of its response to the Iranian government's actions against protesters [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3768023-eu-plans-swift-sanctions-over-iran-protest-repression]. ### Conclusion: A Firm Stance Against Repression In summary, the European Parliament's decision to ban Iranian diplomats is a significant step in response to the ongoing human rights violations in Iran. The key points are as follows: 1. **Immediate Action**: The ban reflects the EU's commitment to supporting the Iranian people amid violent repression. 2. **Ongoing Protests**: The protests in Iran are marked by significant unrest and casualties, challenging the authority of the Iranian regime. 3. **Future Sanctions**: The EU is poised to implement further sanctions, indicating a robust international stance against the Iranian government's actions. This comprehensive overview underscores the EU's determination to stand against human rights abuses and support democratic movements globally [https://www.politico.eu/article/iranian-diplomats-banned-from-european-parliament][https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/01/12/european-parliament-bans-iranian-diplomats-to-avoid-legitimising-the-regime].