UK Designates Iran’s IRGC as Terrorist Organization

Under the new rules, it is now a criminal offense to belong to the IRGC, express support for it, assist its activities, or receive material benefits on its behalf.

By United with Israel Staff

The British government has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, making it a criminal offense to support or assist the powerful military force anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Security Minister Angela Eagle said the decision followed evidence linking the IRGC to threats against individuals and intimidation campaigns on British soil.

The designation was made under newly enacted national security legislation that gives the government counterterrorism-style powers to outlaw foreign state-backed organizations involved in hostile activity against the UK.

Under the new rules, it is now a criminal offense to belong to the IRGC, express support for it, assist its activities, or receive material benefits on its behalf. Violators face severe criminal penalties.

The government also designated the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), an Iran-linked organization, following a series of attacks targeting Britain’s Jewish community.

In addition, Britain designated the volunteer corps of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, citing sabotage and other hostile operations directed against the UK and its European allies.

The move fulfills a pledge by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen Britain’s response to hostile state actors after a series of Iranian-linked plots and antisemitic attacks raised security concerns. The legislation was fast-tracked earlier this year to provide authorities with powers comparable to those used against terrorist organizations.

The IRGC has long been accused by Western governments of directing terrorist proxies across the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis, while also orchestrating assassination plots, espionage, and intimidation campaigns abroad.

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