The United Kingdom will officially list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, the Home Office announced on Monday, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions with Tehran. The move bans any form of support for the IRGC, a central branch of the Iranian military, after years of political debate over the issue.
Details of the Proscription
The Home Office stated that the decision was based on evidence of foreign power threat activity, including threats on UK soil such as a plot to assassinate two Iran International television journalists and cyber-attacks targeting British entities. The proscription is equivalent to banning the organisation, though it is not legally identical to a full proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000. Alongside the IRGC, the UK will also outlaw the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), blamed for attacks on Jewish targets in the UK, and the Russian Federation Volunteer Corps (GRU), an international branch of Russian military intelligence.
Government Statement
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Having carefully considered all the evidence, the home secretary has concluded that there is sufficient basis to reasonably believe that each of these bodies is engaged in foreign power threat activity, and that each designation is necessary to protect the safety and interests of the United Kingdom.” The proscription makes it a criminal offence to support the IRGC in any way, including arranging meetings, wearing uniforms, or displaying logos.
Impact on UK-Iran Relations
The decision overturns the previous Conservative government's reluctance to ban the IRGC. It is expected to further strain relations with Iran, which is already in conflict with the US. Officials have previously warned that such a move could lead to the expulsion of the UK ambassador to Tehran. The IRGC has been accused of numerous hostile activities globally, including supporting proxy groups and destabilising the Middle East.
Broader Context
The proscription aligns the UK with the US, which already designates the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. The move comes amid heightened security concerns in the UK, with the Home Office emphasising the need to protect British interests and public safety. The IMCR proscription addresses a series of attacks on Jewish communities, while the GRU designation targets Russian intelligence activities.
