The United Kingdom government has officially proscribed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
This designation signals a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between London and Tehran. By labeling the IRGC a national security threat, the UK government restricts the group's ability to operate, fundraise, or maintain a presence within British borders.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government cannot tolerate threats to life and intimidation on UK soil. The decision follows reports of IRGC-linked activities and regional tensions, including the group's role in recent anti-government protests in Iran.
While several reports focus solely on the IRGC, the World Jewish Congress said that two organizations were designated in this action [1]. According to the Congress, the UK proscribed both the IRGC and Harakat Ashab Al Yamin Al Islamia (HAYI).
Dr. Efrat Sopher, Chair of the World Jewish Congress Taskforce on Islamic Extremism, said the designation of the IRGC and HAYI as terrorist organizations is a welcome step in the fight against extremist networks.
The move is a response to the IRGC’s actions during recent anti-government protests in Iran, according to the CryptoBriefing editorial team. The UK government's action aligns with a broader strategy to combat foreign-led intimidation and protect national security interests in Westminster and beyond.
“"We cannot tolerate threats to life and intimidation on UK soil."”
The proscription of the IRGC moves the organization from a state-affiliated entity to a banned criminal enterprise under UK law. This legal shift allows British authorities to prosecute individuals for membership or support of the group, potentially disrupting Iranian intelligence and influence operations within the UK.
