The British government announced on Monday that it is moving forward with legislation to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security. The draft regulations are being submitted to Parliament as part of efforts to crack down on foreign state-backed activities within the UK, including espionage, interference in democratic processes, sabotage, and physical attacks. If approved by Parliament later in the week, the designation would make it a criminal offense to provide support for the IRGC, assist the organization in conducting UK-related activities, or accept material benefits from the group.
The government also designated two additional organizations under these new state threat powers: the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), an Iran-backed group that claimed responsibility for seven attacks on Jewish sites in the UK earlier this year, and Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency. Law enforcement officials have been investigating several incidents targeting Jewish-linked facilities in London, including a March incident in which four ambulances belonging to a community charity were set on fire. Three men were charged with arson in April in connection with that incident.
According to government statements, individuals conducting sabotage activities on behalf of these designated groups could face life imprisonment if the legislation is approved. The new powers allow prosecutors to pursue cases without needing to establish a direct foreign power connection. Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized the designations as a means to prosecute and incarcerate those carrying out operations on behalf of these groups within British territory.
The designations are expected to further strain diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper summoned the Iranian ambassador to question him regarding the matter, with officials anticipating a strong response from Tehran. The UK government stated that the IRGC has a documented history of employing proxies and criminal networks to target overseas populations, particularly the Jewish community and Iranian dissidents. Regarding Russia, officials cited the GRU’s involvement in foreign intelligence operations and a pattern of hostile activities directed at the UK and its allies.