Global Tensions Flare: Iran, EU Clash; NIH Faces Power Struggle

Iran summoned European Union ambassadors on Monday to protest the EU's consideration of classifying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. The move came after the EU designated the paramilitary group as a terrorist organization the previous week, citing its violent repression of nationwide protests.

Tehran summoned all of the European Union ambassadors in the country to voice its strong objection, according to Euronews. The EU's decision stemmed from the IRGC's alleged role in violently suppressing nationwide protests, which resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of detentions. Other countries, including the United States and Canada, had previously designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

The protests, which prompted the EU's action, were also linked to a significant disruption of internet access within Iran. According to The Verge, after protests broke out in early January, the Iranian regime shut down the internet, starting the longest blackout in Iranian history. Despite this attempt to stop the protests from spreading, they did not stop. Still, the internet shutdown slowed down the spread of information both inside and outside Iran.