Germany under pressure to escalate action against Iran amid protests
Pressure is growing on Germany to take stronger action against Iran as protests continue across the country. Peter Beyer, a foreign policy expert for the conservative Union bloc, has urged the federal government to step up its response. His calls come after the US recently classified Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
Beyer warned that verbal support from Berlin would not be enough to help Iranian protesters. He stressed the need for concrete measures, including closing loopholes in existing sanctions to stop profit-driven circumvention. The politician also pushed for the IRGC to be officially designated as a terrorist group, aligning with the US decision.
According to Beyer, discussions between US and Israeli leaders about possible intervention in Iran are already taking place. While he did not specify what form this might take, he suggested a targeted and coordinated approach would be the most likely path. He also doubted the protests would fade anytime soon, calling for sustained international pressure. On January 14, 2026, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed that Germany supports labelling the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. He emphasised the importance of a unified EU and global strategy to increase pressure on Tehran. The government’s stance follows growing demands for stricter sanctions and a firmer political response to the ongoing unrest. Beyer further called on Germany to take a leading role in Europe’s approach to Iran. He argued that the country must assume political leadership rather than waiting for others to act first.
The German government now faces mounting pressure to move beyond statements and implement stronger measures. With the US and Israel reportedly considering intervention, the focus shifts to whether Berlin will push for a coordinated EU response. Any further steps will likely depend on how the protests develop and whether sanctions can be tightened effectively.
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