UK to list Iran’s IRGC as ‘terror’ threat
Article excerpt
London debuts new powers targeting state proxies after accusing Iranian outfit of engineering anti-Semitic attacks.
LONDON, The U.K. government announced Monday it will proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In a statement, Security Minister Angela Eagle said the U.K. has “identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on U.K. soil.”
The IRGC’s “role extends far beyond that of a conventional military force,” Eagle said. “It encompasses intelligence activity, the use of proxy actors, and the projection of influence designed to advance Iranian state objectives,” she added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in April the government would legislate to label the group a terrorist organization.
Under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, which was fast-tracked through parliament, it will be illegal to encourage or express support for the organization, assist them in carrying out U.K. activities, or accept a material benefit from them. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday summoned Seyed Ali Mousavi, Iran’s ambassador to the U.K., to the Foreign Office. Tehran’s intelligence services have “planned and conducted dangerous, potentially lethal, operations,” she said.
The Tehran-linked Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right will also be proscribed after claiming responsibility for seven attacks at U.K. locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, which Eagle said have “caused real fear and distress.” The IRGC “almost certainly directed” the attacks, she added.