Story perspectives

EU Parliament Calls for Tougher Iran Sanctions After 2,159 Executions

5/22/2026

Summary

European Parliament Condemns

European Parliament in Strasbourg passed a resolution on May 21 2026 condemning Iran’s repression and secret executions, voting 516-14-39.
The resolution urges expanded EU sanctions on IRGC and Supreme Leader entities, including asset freezes, travel bans and diplomatic mission closures.
It demands immediate release of all political prisoners, abolition of the death penalty, and notes Amnesty International’s 2,159 executions in 2025 and an 83-day internet blackout reported by NetBlocks on May 21 2026.

Summary

European Parliament Approves

On May 21 2026 the European Parliament approved three human-rights resolutions.
The Afghanistan resolution, passed 480-5-83, calls for repealing the Taliban penal code, enforcing ICC warrant, expanding sanctions and upholding EU non-recognition.
The Indonesia resolution urges probing acid attacks on defenders and revising laws that broaden military authority.
The Iran resolution asks EU partners to provide tools for Internet access during the blackout and to keep funding the UN fact-finding mission.

History

Historical Context

Since the EU’s 2006 Iran Sanctions Regulation, which followed four UN resolutions between 2006 and 2008, the bloc has repeatedly expanded measures to curb Tehran’s nuclear and human-rights abuses. On 29 January 2026 the EU labeled the IRGC a terrorist group, and on 21 May 2026 it broadened sanctions to include Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Afghan Taliban.

1 of 3

European Parliament Condemns

European Parliament in Strasbourg passed a resolution on May 21 2026 condemning Iran’s repression and secret executions, voting 516-14-39.
The resolution urges expanded EU sanctions on IRGC and Supreme Leader entities, including asset freezes, travel bans and diplomatic mission closures.
It demands immediate release of all political prisoners, abolition of the death penalty, and notes Amnesty International’s 2,159 executions in 2025 and an 83-day internet blackout reported by NetBlocks on May 21 2026.

1 / 3