The United Kingdom has formally outlawed three groups—two backed by Iran and one by Russia—under new proscription-style powers designed to combat state threats. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), also from Iran, and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps are now listed by the government. Supporting or assisting these organisations can lead to up to 14 years in prison, while acts of sabotage on their behalf carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
IRGC and IMCR: Iran-Linked Groups Proscribed
The IRGC has been linked to attacks on British soil. The IMCR, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for the March 23 antisemitic arson incident on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London—one of seven attacks in the UK publicly claimed by the group. It also claimed responsibility for the attack on Finchley Reform synagogue and another on the offices of a Persian-language media organisation in Park Royal. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that members of the IRGC were 'sitting behind' the IMCR and 'almost certainly' directed attacks by the group across Europe.
GRU Volunteer Corps: Russian Military Intelligence Affiliate
The GRU Volunteer Corps is described by the Home Office as a 'formal group of volunteers and mercenary-style formations' that is 'controlled, coordinated and overseen' by the GRU—the Russian military intelligence agency that succeeded the KGB. According to government assessments, it is 'involved in foreign power threat activity, including sabotage and other activity directed against the UK.' The GRU is also believed to be behind the 2018 Salisbury Novichok attack, which resulted in the death of Dawn Sturgess and the serious poisoning of three others.
Government Response and Political Reactions
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his government would 'never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets.' He added: 'Anyone acting on behalf of those who threaten our national security should be in no doubt that there is no place for you in Britain. We will find you and you will face the full force of the law.'
The designation of the IRGC as a state threat comes after years of campaigning, with Cooper committing to creating new laws in May 2025. She noted at the time there was a 'backdrop of rising numbers of Iran-linked operations on UK soil where there have been repeated warnings by ministers, the police and our security and intelligence agencies.'
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel called the announcement 'welcome, but long overdue.' She added: 'Conservatives offered to work with ministers to pass emergency legislation, but Labour dithered and delayed. The government must urgently explain how this designation will be enforced, and on what timetable.'
