The United Kingdom has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation under new national security powers, marking one of London's strongest measures against Tehran in recent years. The move follows a series of alleged Iran-linked threats and attacks in Britain and, once approved by Parliament, will make supporting the IRGC a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the decision, saying the government would invoke new powers under the National Security (State Threats) Act to target organisations accused of carrying out hostile activities on behalf of foreign states. While the designation carries the same practical effect as proscription, it is legally classified under a separate framework.
UK CITES NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS
The Home Office said the decision followed years of concern over the IRGC's alleged involvement in activities threatening Britain's national security. Officials referred to an alleged plot targeting two journalists from Iran International television, cyberattacks against UK interests and other activities linked to Tehran.
In a statement, the Home Office 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."
UK Home Office minister Angela Eagle said the IRGC functions far beyond the role of a conventional military force.
"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a central component of the Iranian state's security apparatus, answerable directly to Iran's Supreme Leader," she said.
"Its role extends far beyond that of a conventional military force. It encompasses intelligence activity, the use of proxy actors, and the projection of influence designed to advance Iranian state objectives."
SUPPORT FOR IRGC TO BECOME A CRIMINAL OFFENCE
Under the new legislation, expressing support for or assisting the IRGC could result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
The government said the measure would strengthen the powers of police and intelligence agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals acting on behalf of hostile foreign states.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the new powers would provide authorities with stronger legal tools to counter state-backed threats.
"These new powers will make it easier to prosecute and lock up anyone carrying out their dirty work here in Britain," Starmer said.
The announcement marks a significant policy shift after previous governments stopped short of formally outlawing the IRGC despite repeated calls from lawmakers and security experts to do so.
OTHER ORGANISATIONS ALSO DESIGNATED
Alongside the IRGC, the UK government also designated the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), an Iran-linked group accused of carrying out a series of attacks targeting Jewish and Israeli communities as well as Persian-language media organisations in Britain.
Officials said the group had claimed responsibility for seven attacks, including an antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in London's Golders Green area in March.
Britain also designated Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, which officials described as an organisation linked to Russian military intelligence.
The new designations will come into force once they receive parliamentary approval.
The IRGC was established following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and has since evolved into one of the country's most influential military and security institutions. It oversees Iran's elite military operations, intelligence activities and regional proxy networks, and has long been subject to sanctions imposed by Western governments over allegations of terrorism, human rights abuses and efforts to expand Tehran's influence across the Middle East.
