The United Kingdom has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, enacting stringent measures that criminalize any form of support for the entity. This significant escalation in policy carries penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment for violations.
The decision, announced by the British government, aligns with new legislation aimed at countering threats posed by foreign states within the UK's borders. This move comes amidst escalating tensions between the UK and Iran, fueled by Western accusations that the IRGC is involved in intelligence operations and targeted actions against Iranian dissidents, Jewish communities, and media figures across Europe, as well as supporting proxy networks operating internationally.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman confirmed the designation concurrently with the introduction of the new bill to Parliament. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, in a written statement, detailed that British authorities have identified "IRGC-linked activities on UK soil, including direct threats to life and acts of intimidation."
Tugendhat emphasized that the IRGC is not merely a conventional military force but a core component of Iran's security apparatus, operating directly under the supervision of the Iranian Supreme Leader. He elaborated that its activities encompass intelligence gathering, agent recruitment, and the expansion of external influence to serve Iranian state objectives.
Under the new legislation, endorsing the IRGC, advocating for its support, expressing favorable views, providing material assistance, or engaging in activities beneficial to the IRGC within the United Kingdom will constitute criminal offenses punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the bill, set for parliamentary debate this week, will equip authorities with more robust legal tools to prosecute individuals found to be supporting or collaborating with groups identified as national security threats, underscoring the government's resolve to confront hostile activities perpetrated by foreign states through their proxies.
The UK's broadened scope of sanctions also included the designation of the Iran-linked "Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan" as a proscribed organization. This group faces accusations of responsibility for attacks targeting Jewish interests in London, including arson incidents impacting synagogues, ambulances, and other sites. Additionally, Russia's GRU military intelligence-affiliated "Volunteer Corps" was proscribed due to alleged sabotage and hostile activities against the UK and several European nations.
