Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has formally proscribed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, the government announced on 13 July 2026. The designation was made under national security laws, with the Home Secretary stating she reasonably believes the IRGC is, or has been, involved in foreign power threat activity.
Legal Basis for Proscription
A written ministerial statement confirmed that for a body to be designated, the Home Secretary must reasonably believe it is involved in foreign power threat activity and consider that designation is necessary to protect the safety or interests of the United Kingdom. The statement read: "Having considered the available evidence and taken advice from across Government and operational partners, the Home Secretary is satisfied that the statutory test is met in respect of the following three bodies."
Impact of the Designation
The proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to, support, or display symbols of the IRGC in the UK. It also allows for the seizure of assets linked to the organisation. The move follows longstanding concerns over the IRGC's activities, including alleged plots against UK targets and its role in regional instability.
Government Position
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has taken a firm stance against the IRGC, which is already designated as a terrorist entity by the United States and other allies. The UK's decision aligns with efforts to counter Iranian influence and protect national security.
