The United Kingdom has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a national security threat, introducing sweeping new powers that criminalise support for the group and strengthen efforts to combat foreign-backed espionage, sabotage and violence.
Under the new measures, expressing support for or assisting the IRGC will become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment, while those carrying out acts of sabotage on behalf of the group could face life sentences if the legislation is approved by Parliament.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the measures in a written statement to Parliament on Monday, saying the government was acting to curb the activities of the IRGC, which has been linked to threats, intimidation and attacks in the UK.
Mahmood also announced the designation of two other organisations—the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and the volunteer corps of Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU)—under the new security framework.
She said the measures would give police and intelligence agencies broader powers to tackle espionage, foreign interference, sabotage and physical attacks linked to the three organisations.
“Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores,” Mahmood said.
“I have rapidly designated three groups so those working for them will be tracked down and put behind bars.”
According to the UK government, the IRGC is believed to have directed seven attacks against locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, including the antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on March 23, which the IMCR publicly claimed responsibility for.
The government said the legislation would also remove the requirement for prosecutors to establish a foreign state connection in every case, making it easier to prosecute individuals acting on behalf of hostile foreign groups.
The prime minister promised to fast-track the National Security (State Threats) Act in April this year, and draft regulations for proscription can now be laid before parliament.
Announcing the new powers, Sir Keir Starmer said: “We will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets.
“We have already taken tough action against the Iranian regime and those linked to it, and against Russian operatives and networks targeting our country.
“These new powers will make it easier to prosecute and lock up anyone carrying out their dirty work here in Britain.”
The announcement comes amid growing concern over Iranian-backed activities in Britain.
The UK’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, said it had identified at least 20 potentially lethal Iranian-linked plots targeting individuals in the country over the past year.
The IRGC is believed to play a central role in Tehran’s overseas operations, particularly those targeting Jewish communities and Iranian dissidents.
Established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC has grown into one of the country’s most powerful military and intelligence organisations, with an estimated 190,000 personnel and significant influence beyond Iran’s borders.
The group has long been accused by Western governments of sponsoring terrorism and supporting proxy militias abroad. It is already designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, Canada and Australia. Earlier this year, the European Union also added the IRGC to its terrorism list over its alleged role in the violent crackdown on anti-government protesters in Iran.