EU parliament president says Europe stands with Iranian protesters
The president of the European Parliament said lawmakers had voted to back the aspirations of the Iranian people and called for what she described as decisive action against Iran’s authorities.
Roberta Metsola said in a post on X that the message from the European Parliament was clear: “Iran must be free. Iran will be free.”
She said the parliament had voted to support measures including an end to the brutal crackdown on protesters, a halt to executions and the release of detained demonstrators and political prisoners.
“We have called for decisive action to stop the violence, halt executions, free the brave and target the oppressors,” Metsola wrote.
She added that the parliament had urged the designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.
Addressing Iranians, Metsola wrote: “Even when cables are cut, we hear you. Even when blackouts fall, we see you. You are not alone.”
A senior Iranian military commander warned that any attack on Iran would draw a swift and devastating response, saying US interests, bases and what he described as centers of influence would become targets.
Major General Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said any strike on Iranian territory, security or interests would be met with immediate retaliation, according to state-linked media.
“Any aggression against Iranian soil will be met with a fast, precise and devastating response,” he was quoted as saying.
He said the United States was fully aware of the consequences of any such move.
“Any attack on the land, security and interests of the Iranian nation will immediately turn all US interests, bases and centers of influence into legitimate and accessible targets for Iran’s armed forces,” he said.
Abdollahi added that Iran would not start a war but would respond forcefully if attacked.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never been and will never be the initiator of war,” he said. “But in the face of any aggression, threat or hostile act, it will give a fast, decisive and regret-inducing response.”
