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EU's Kallas Lauds Iranian Protesters, Threatens New Sanctions Over Crackdown

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas praised Iranian anti-regime protesters and condemned the security forces' brutal response, stating the EU is discussing additional sanctions. Finland and Denmark have summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires to protest the escalating violence and demand the release of detained demonstrators. The protests, ongoing since late December 2025, are facing a severe crackdown, with reports indicating the first protester execution is scheduled. International leaders and media are closely monitoring the situation as Iran faces growing diplomatic pressure.

Key Points: EU Threatens New Iran Sanctions Over Protest Crackdown

  • EU condemns Iran's protest crackdown
  • Additional sanctions under discussion
  • Finland and Denmark summon Iranian diplomats
  • First protester execution reportedly imminent
  • Protests have drawn global attention since late December
2 min read

European Commission VP lauds Iran's anti-regime protesters

European Commission VP Kaja Kallas condemns Iran's violent response to anti-regime protests as Finland and Denmark summon Iranian diplomats.

"The courage of the Iranian people is humbling. The brutal response by the security forces is unacceptable... - Kaja Kallas"

Berlin, January 14

Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Wednesday lauded the anti-regime protests led by Iranians.

Kallas denounced the use of force against the protesters and threatened to put additional sanctions.

In a post on X, she said, "The courage of the Iranian people is humbling. The brutal response by the security forces is unacceptable and exposes a regime afraid of its own people. The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran. We are now discussing putting additional sanctions."

Earlier, Finland summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires over the escalating violence against protesters by Iranian authorities. Aggression must stop and all unjustly detained demonstrators released.

The right of access to information, including access to the internet, must be ensured. Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a tweet.

Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that they informed Iran's charge d'affaires that the brutal crackdown of protesters is unacceptable.

Rasmussen further said that the EU has already imposed several sanctions against Iran and Denmark would take further steps if deemed necessary.

In a post on X, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said, "FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen: "Iran's brutal crackdown on the people's protests is unacceptable. We made this crystal clear to the Iranian charge d'affaires today. The EU has already imposed comprehensive sanctions against Iran, and Denmark is ready to take further steps"."

Iranians have been protesting since December 28, 2025, and the protests have garnered the attention of international leaders and media.

Meanwhile, Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, New York Post reported, citing human rights groups.

26-year-old Erfan Soltani is allegedly scheduled to be hanged to death after his arrest during the protests in Karaj last Thursday (local time), the Iran Human Rights (IHR) and National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD) NGO groups said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The courage of the Iranian people is truly inspiring. ✊ It's a reminder that the fight for basic freedoms is universal. However, I wish our own leaders and media showed the same consistent concern for human rights violations in our own neighbourhood. Sometimes foreign policy feels very selective.
R
Rohit P
Reading about a 26-year-old facing execution for protesting is chilling. The world cannot be a silent spectator. While the EU's statements are welcome, real action is needed. India should also use its diplomatic channels to advocate for restraint and dialogue. #StandWithIran
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, I follow this closely. The Iranian regime cutting internet access to hide its actions is a classic move of oppressive governments. The right to information is fundamental. The EU's focus on that point is crucial.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I have a different take. While the protestors' plight is sad, we must be cautious. Western powers often use "human rights" to justify regime change and create instability, as we've seen in West Asia. India's balanced approach, focusing on engagement rather than just sanctions, might be more pragmatic in the long run.
K
Kavya N
This is so tragic. Young people just wanting a better life. My heart goes out to the families. The international community must do everything to stop these executions. It's 2025, for God's sake. 🙏

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