UK designates Iran’s IRGC under new national security law
5 reported
The UK government announced on Monday it will ban support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under a new National Security Act, a move officials said comes close to proscribing the military group as a terrorist organisation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the designation enables law enforcement to take action against anyone deemed to provide support to the IRGC. The announcement was made alongside similar designations for the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and the Russian GRU Volunteer Corps. Ministers said they were prompted to act in part by recent threats to British targets, including plots to assassinate two Iran International TV journalists in the UK and cyber-attacks on infrastructure in Britain, Australia and Canada. The government stated that designating the three organisations introduces new criminal offences for those who support, assist or receive a benefit from them, with espionage or sabotage on their behalf carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The IRGC’s designation follows years of debate, including a 2023 decision not to list the group as a terrorist organisation due to concerns about diplomatic fallout.
What’s reported
The UK will ban support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under a new National Security Act.
The IRGC designation was announced alongside designations for the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and the Russian GRU Volunteer Corps.
Ministers cited recent threats including plots to assassinate two Iran International TV journalists in the UK and cyber-attacks on infrastructure in Britain, Australia and Canada.
Designation introduces new criminal offences for supporting, assisting or receiving a benefit from the groups; espionage or sabotage carries a maximum life sentence.
In 2023, the government decided not to proscribe the IRGC, choosing sanctions instead amid concerns about diplomatic fallout.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Shabana Mahmood, home secretary
Angela Eagle, security minister
Sources: The Guardian
