The European Commission is preparing to propose a new package of sanctions on Iran, in close coordination with EU member states including the Netherlands, as part of a strong response to Teheran’s violent crackdown on widespread protests and ongoing human rights abuses.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on January 13, 2026, that Brussels will swiftly introduce additional punitive measures targeting individuals and entities responsible for the repression of demonstrators in Iran. The decision underscores the European Union’s deepening concern over reports of casualties and the excessive use of force against civilians.
The move follows mounting pressure from EU capitals as governments have summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the brutal handling of protests in cities across Iran, where widespread demonstrations have spread amid economic turmoil and political discontent. European leaders, including officials from the Netherlands, have advocated for tougher responses to signal solidarity with the Iranian people and uphold human rights.
A spokesperson for the European Commission stressed that member states must endorse the sanctions unanimously before they can be formally adopted, and discussions are underway on the scope and specific targets of the new measures. Earlier comments by the Commission indicated readiness to consider “more stringent sanctions” in reaction to the violence.
The expected sanctions proposal aims to target individuals, entities, or networks linked to the suppression of civil liberties and the violent repression of protests, building on previous EU measures already in place against Iran over human rights abuses, its nuclear program, and support for military activities abroad.
While Tehran has faced repeated criticism from European institutions and governments, diplomatic engagement with Iran continues on other fronts. Nevertheless, the upcoming sanctions initiative reflects increasing frustration in Brussels over Iran’s domestic policies and the toll they have taken on Iranian citizens.
The cooperation of countries like the Netherlands within the EU framework highlights a coordinated effort to leverage diplomatic and economic tools in pursuit of accountability and to amplify pressure on Iran’s leadership. Final approval and details of the new sanctions package are expected in the coming weeks, pending consensus among all 27 EU member states.
