UK unveils plan to ban Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps

The UK government announced plans on Monday to ban Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security. The proposed legislation also targets an Iran-linked group accused of attacks on the Jewish community, and proxies of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency.

What does the UK ban on the IRGC mean?

The new law gives the British government proscription-like powers to designate foreign state proxies as national security threats. Anyone found supporting or assisting the banned groups will face up to 14 years in prison, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. The legislation will be presented to parliament this week.

Which other groups does the legislation target?

The banned groups also include proxies and volunteers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, and the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), an Iran-linked group that has claimed attacks on Jewish properties in London. The IMCR, also known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyah (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks, including an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Hatzola Jewish charity.

Why is the UK taking action against the IRGC now?

The Home Office said the new powers would step up the government's ability to counter state threats linked to foreign powers, including espionage, interference in British democracy, sabotage and physical attacks. Under the legislation, prosecutors will no longer need to establish a foreign power connection in cases involving designated groups.

Home Office minister Angela Eagle said the UK has identified IRGC-linked activity involving threats to life and intimidation on British soil. The announcement follows a series of antisemitic attacks in the British capital this year, including arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish community sites. The government fast-tracked the legislation in response to what it called abhorrent attacks in north London.

What have UK officials said about the ban?

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Iran and Russia are using proxies to carry out attacks on British soil, and that she had rapidly designated three groups so that those working for them could be tracked down and prosecuted. Last month, 22 countries including the UK, US and European nations accused the IRGC and its Quds Force of plotting against Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish communities.