- EU Council bibliography
- 2. marts 2026
A library guide on Iran
Over the past few weeks, Iran has once again moved to the forefront of international attention.
Demonstrations that began in December and January 2026, initially driven by economic frustration, spread across the country and were met with a sweeping response from the authorities. This included the use of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators, and a nationwide internet shutdown.
In recent days, the situation has escalated dramatically. Strikes on Iranian territory resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Retaliatory actions have followed, and tensions across the region have risen sharply, with disruption to air travel and renewed concern about stability in the Gulf.
The situation is still in flux, and it touches on issues that are central to the European Union’s external action: human rights, regional stability and security.
A new library guide
With events moving quickly and several policy strands converging at once, having clear and reliable reference points is essential.
To support colleagues following these developments, the Council Library has prepared a dedicated library guide on Iran.
It brings together key EU documents, background material, books and articles, media sources and external analysis in one structured place — helping to connect immediate decisions with the wider framework of EU-Iran relations.
The EU’s response
EU foreign ministers convened emergency talks in response to the escalation, calling for restraint and warning of the risks of a wider conflict. Their joint statement stressed the importance of protecting civilians, respecting international law and avoiding further destabilisation in an already fragile region.
At the same time, the EU has continued to underline its support for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Iranian people. Women’s rights remain an important element of that position. Since the protests that drew global attention under the banner “Woman, Life, Freedom”, the EU has repeatedly called on Iran to address systemic discrimination against women and girls and to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
Earlier in January, the Foreign Affairs Council had agreed to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and adopted further restrictive measures linked to the repression of protests.
Putting the latest developments in context
These immediate events form part of a broader story. EU-Iran relations are shaped not only by recent developments, but also by longstanding concerns, including the nuclear file, regional dynamics, Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the detention of EU citizens.
The library guide links current decisions to earlier Council conclusions, providing a perspective on EU-Iran relations over time.
Discover previous library guides
Did you know that in 2025 the Council Library published new guides on topics ranging from a Europe of defence and a competitive European industry to neurodiversity, the Schengen area and recent EU presidencies?
In total, we now offer 107 library guides. Take a look through the collection — you might discover a topic that sparks your interest.
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
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