Head of Iran Affairs in the European Parliament: The Iranian Government is a Source of Tension and Violence in the Region

Hanna Neumann, the head of Iran Affairs in the European Parliament, in her first speech in this position on Thursday evening, October 12, referred to the Islamic Republic's missile attacks on Israel and identified state and non-state actors associated with the Iranian government as the source of tension and violence in the region. This German Green Party representative in the European Parliament separated the Iranian people from their government, stating that while the Islamic Republic attacked Israel, many people sent messages of peace and criticized the government's actions. She also referred to the Iranian government as a repressive regime and emphasized that despite the regime's suppression and execution of its opponents and forcing women to wear mandatory hijab, the Iranian people continue to fight against this government. In another part of her speech, Ms. Neumann mentioned the presence of individuals affiliated with the Iranian government in Europe, stating that the Iranian government uses some of its agents to threaten and harass its opponents abroad and identifies their families in Iran to subject them to harassment and torture. Hanna Neumann reiterated the need to support the Iranian people, saying: 'We will stand alongside the opponents of the Islamic Republic who strive for a democratic and peaceful Iran, as we have in the past.' She urged the opponents of the Iranian government to sit at the table and have constructive discussions. The European Parliament's tougher stance towards the Islamic Republic coincides with Hanna Neumann's presence, including a resolution recognizing 'gender apartheid' in Afghanistan and a resolution stating that the IRGC and the entirety of Hezbollah should be listed as 'terrorist organizations.' Hanna Neumann addressed Borrell: 'Instead of meeting with representatives of the Islamic Republic, meet with representatives of a free Iran.'