Government bans Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

UK Government Designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard as National Security Threat

Government bans Iran s Islamic Revolutionary - Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will be formally classified as a danger to national security. Under the new measures, individuals who carry out sabotage operations on behalf of the designated organization could face life imprisonment. This significant policy shift aims to address concerns about Iranian-backed entities recruiting criminals to target the Jewish community across Britain.

Three Organizations Named in Draft Regulations

The Government is presenting draft regulations to Parliament that would designate the IRGC alongside two additional organizations. These include the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Volunteer Corps. The timing of this announcement follows several high-profile incidents earlier this year, including arson attacks on Jewish sites throughout London and a double stabbing incident in Golders Green.

The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right has been identified as a relatively new terrorism organization with suspected connections to pro-Iranian networks. According to Israel's ministry for diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism, this group has claimed responsibility for multiple recent attacks. These include the deliberate burning of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green during the current year.

New State Threat Powers Explained

Under the expanded state threat powers, anyone found supporting or assisting the designated groups will face a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. However, ministers must obtain parliamentary approval before implementing these measures. Speaking to members of the Jewish community gathered in the garden of Downing Street, Sir Keir emphasized that the IRGC possesses a "long history of using proxies and criminal networks to target people in the UK."

The Prime Minister, whose No 10 guests included Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said: "A criminal group called the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right have publicly claimed seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and sitting behind them were members of Iran's IRGC."

Continuing his address, Sir Keir stated: "Of course, the IRGC itself has a long history of using proxies and criminal networks to target people in the UK, including our Jewish communities. So today, under our new state threat powers, we're designating this criminal group, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, and we're designating the IRGC."

Community Response and Financial Investment

Sir Keir's announcement received a round of applause from those present. The Government has previously committed more than £250 million toward increasing policing within Jewish communities. This substantial financial injection will result in enhanced police presence, increased patrols, and improved security outside synagogues and educational institutions. Additionally, specialist plain-clothes officers will be deployed specifically within Jewish communities to provide targeted protection.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented on the situation, stating: "Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores. I have rapidly designated three groups so those working for them will be tracked down and put behind bars. I will leave no stone unturned to keep our country safe."

Political Reactions and Next Steps

Lord Walney, a former government independent adviser on political violence and disruption, expressed support for the initiative while noting limitations. He remarked: "After years of campaigning, it is very welcome to see the IRGC finally banned. This group has exported terror and extremism onto British streets on behalf of the Iranian regime for too long. This designation falls short of full proscription under the Terrorism Act, so the incoming prime minister must monitor carefully whether these laws are adequate to keep our streets safe."

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she had summoned the Iranian ambassador to discuss Tehran's "hostile activities" within the United Kingdom. In a written statement, she emphasized: "We will not tolerate threats to our security or to the safety of those who live here. Iran's actions are irresponsible and unacceptable."

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel welcomed the designation but criticized the timing. She stated: "The decision to designate the IRGC as a foreign state threat is welcome, but long overdue. The laws to make this happen should have been passed months ago. The IRGC is an instrument of oppression inside Iran and a direct threat to our national security. 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."