UK Proposes Ban on Support for Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Citing National Security
Iran has condemned a British government proposal to ban support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and an Iran-linked group accused of attacks on Jewish targets in London. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the move as 'hostile' and 'contrary to international law'.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that anyone found supporting or assisting these groups could face up to 14 years in prison. The proposed legislation, to be presented to Parliament this week, would grant the government 'proscription-like' powers to designate foreign state proxies deemed a threat to national security.
The ban would also apply to proxies and volunteers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, as well as the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, an Iran-linked group that has claimed responsibility for attacks on Jewish properties in London. The Home Office stated that the move aims to counter state threats including espionage, foreign interference, sabotage, and physical attacks.
The proposal follows a series of antisemitic attacks in London earlier this year, including arson at synagogues and Jewish community sites. In addition, a London court recently jailed two Romanian nationals for a knife attack in 2024 on a news presenter for Iran International, an action the court said was carried out at Iran's behest.
Iran has summoned the British ambassador to protest what it calls 'baseless accusations'. The UK government maintains that the new law is necessary to protect national security and public safety.
