UK Designates Iran's IRGC as Terrorist Organization After Iran-Linked Attacks on Jewish Sites

UK Targets Iran-Linked Threats

The British government announced that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been designated as a terrorist organization under the National Security (State Threats) Act, following what officials described as a pattern of threats, intimidation, and hostile activity connected to Iran inside the United Kingdom.

Security Minister Angela Eagle told Parliament that British authorities had identified IRGC-linked activity involving threats to life and intimidation on UK soil. The new designation makes it a criminal offense to support the organization, assist its UK-related activities, or receive material benefits from it under the legislation.

Iran-Backed Group Blamed for Attacks on Jewish Community

The government also designated the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), also known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, after investigators linked the group to a series of attacks targeting Britain's Jewish community.

According to British authorities, IMCR claimed responsibility for seven attacks, including arson targeting synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances, and a Persian-language media outlet critical of the Iranian regime. While the attacks caused property damage, no injuries were reported.

"Sitting behind IMCR were members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, who almost certainly directed IMCR attacks across Europe," Security Minister Angela Eagle said.

British officials say the IRGC's Quds Force, responsible for overseas operations, was likely directing the proxy group's activities throughout Europe.

Broader National Security Measures

The UK also designated a volunteer corps linked to Russia's GRU military intelligence service over alleged sabotage and hostile activities targeting Britain and Europe.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved the designations after reviewing intelligence and advice from security agencies, concluding that the legal threshold under the National Security (State Threats) Act had been met.

Once Parliament completes the legislative process, anyone carrying out sabotage or other prohibited activities on behalf of the designated organizations could face severe criminal penalties, including life imprisonment.

The move marks one of Britain's strongest actions yet against Iran's security apparatus and follows growing concerns over Tehran's expanding use of proxy networks to threaten Jewish communities and conduct hostile operations across Europe.