Britain grants itself proscription-like powers to ban foreign proxies deemed threats to national security. Iran condemns the move as a breach of international law.

Key Takeaways

  • UK proposes to designate Iran's IRGC and Russia's GRU proxies as prohibited entities.
  • Iran labels the legislation as unlawful and summons the British ambassador.
  • Supporters of the banned groups could face up to 14 years in prison.

London is poised to introduce a sweeping security bill that would give the British government "proscription-like" authority to name foreign state proxies as threats to national safety. Central to the proposal is the outlawing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliates of Russia's GRU intelligence service, along with the Iran‑linked group Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right.

Historical Context

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC has functioned as Iran's elite military and political force, often accused by Western capitals of sponsoring terrorism and destabilising regional security. The United States, the European Union and several Arab states have previously designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The UK’s latest move follows a spate of anti‑Jewish attacks in London earlier this year, including arson at synagogues and a high‑profile stabbing of a Persian‑language news presenter allegedly directed by Tehran.

UK Government Stance

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on 13 July that anyone found "supporting or assisting" the listed groups would face a maximum sentence of 14 years. The Home Office framed the legislation as a necessary tool to counter espionage, foreign interference in democratic processes, sabotage and physical attacks linked to hostile state actors. The draft law is scheduled for parliamentary debate later this week.

Iran’s Strong Reaction

Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a scathing statement, calling the measure "unjustified, irresponsible and contrary to the fundamental principles and rules of international law." Tehran summoned the British ambassador to Tehran, demanding a retraction and branding the accusations as "baseless". This diplomatic clash adds another layer to an already fraught relationship marked by sanctions, cyber‑espionage accusations and divergent Middle‑East policies.

Potential Implications

If enacted, the law could cripple the IRGC’s ability to raise funds and operate within the UK, potentially prompting allied nations to follow suit with similar bans. However, it may also push Iranian diaspora groups further underground, complicating counter‑terrorism monitoring. Moreover, the legislation could hinder back‑channel diplomacy, reducing avenues for de‑escalation between London and Tehran at a time when regional stability is precarious.