Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 16, 2026 – Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament, has called for remaining EU embassies in Iran to open as safe havens for persecuted demonstrators. He made the appeal in response to deadly violence by Iranian authorities against peaceful protests. Weber stated that Europe stands firmly by the Iranian people and demands full support for the opposition.
Weber delivered the remarks to the German newspaper Bild amid reports of systematic crackdowns by Iran’s security apparatus.
“We must protect them from the terror regime. Let us open all embassies of EU countries in Iran as shelters, so that the peaceful demonstrators can find refuge there,”
he said. He added,
“The deadly violence of the mullah regime against peaceful demonstrators cannot be justified in any way. The courageous opposition in Iran deserves our full support”.
Context of Iranian Protests and Casualties
Protests in Iran have faced severe repression since their onset, with human rights group Hengaw reporting over 2,500 deaths. The organisation documented systematic actions by Iran’s security forces against mass demonstrations. Authorities have targeted demonstrators, leading to subsided but ongoing unrest.
Weber’s proposal targets the remaining operational EU embassies in the country, particularly those in Tehran. He specified opening them to persecuted Iranians fleeing violence. The appeal aligns with broader EU parliamentary responses to the crisis.
Prior EU Parliamentary Actions
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola previously demanded stronger support from EU member states for the Iranian protests. On Monday preceding Weber’s statement, Metsola banned all official representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran from entering Parliament premises. Her actions underscored institutional solidarity with demonstrators.
Weber, as EPP group chairman and CSU vice-chairman, positioned his initiative within this framework. He emphasised Europe’s commitment to the Iranian people facing regime violence. Coverage appeared in outlets like Aachener Zeitung, OP-Online, and Berliner Sonntagsblatt.
Weber’s Role and EPP Background
Manfred Weber serves as head of the conservative EPP group, the largest political group in the European Parliament. The German politician represents the Christian Social Union (CSU) and leads EPP efforts on foreign policy and human rights. His statements often address global democratic movements.
The EPP focuses on protecting citizens’ dignity, security, and freedom across Europe and beyond. Group manifestos highlight defence of human rights against authoritarian regimes. Weber’s appeal fits this stance amid Iran’s unrest.
Diplomatic Status of EU Embassies in Iran
Several EU countries maintain embassies in Tehran despite tensions. Weber urged coordination to transform these diplomatic posts into temporary shelters. The proposal specifies refuge for peaceful demonstrators targeted by security forces.
No immediate responses from EU foreign ministries appear in reports. Weber’s call follows Metsola’s entry ban, indicating escalating parliamentary pressure. Iranian authorities have not commented publicly on the suggestion.
Coverage Across German Media
German outlets reported Weber’s Bild interview prominently. Aachener Zeitung summarised it as a concrete proposal for more protester support. OP-Online reposted the appeal, highlighting EU Parliament leadership.
Berliner Sonntagsblatt detailed the safe havens idea, quoting Weber on protecting victims from the regime. European Newsroom disseminated the dpa wire story internationally . Ground News tracked three sources without bias ratings.
Human Rights Monitoring in Iran
Hengaw’s figures place deaths above 2,500 since protests began. The group monitors casualties from security operations. Protests, sparked by various grievances, drew mass participation before subsiding under repression.
EU politicians reference such data to justify actions. Weber cited regime violence as unjustifiable, warranting shelter provision. Metsola’s measures complement verbal condemnations.
EPP Positions on Global Crises
The EPP advocates robust responses to threats against civilians. Summit statements call for active EU roles in regional peace and security. Weber has pushed security pacts integrating protection into EU law.
On migration and borders, EPP prioritises humanity with order, but this appeal focuses on diplomatic asylum. Iranian opposition support marks a targeted human rights intervention.
Timeline of Key Statements
Weber spoke to Bild around January 14, 2026. Metsola’s ban occurred the prior Monday. Hengaw’s casualty update coincides with subsided protests.
Media pickup followed swiftly, with dpa reporting from Berlin . Weber framed Europe as standing “firmly by the people of Iran”.
Implications for EU-Iran Relations
EU embassies serve standard consular roles, but Weber proposes expanded shelter functions. This echoes historical diplomatic asylum precedents. No activation reported yet.
Parliamentary moves pressure member states on unified stances. Weber’s words target “mullah regime” violence specifically. Ongoing monitoring by rights groups informs EU discourse.
