The UK government has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, marking one of its strongest actions yet against Tehran. The decision follows allegations that an IRGC-backed network was involved in planned attacks targeting Jewish communities and other individuals in Britain.
Announcing the move, the UK government said the designation was necessary to counter growing threats to national security. The ban makes it a criminal offence to belong to, support or promote the IRGC, with offenders facing severe legal penalties under Britain’s terrorism laws.
British authorities said intelligence agencies had uncovered evidence linking the IRGC and its proxies to hostile activities on UK soil, including alleged plots against Jewish targets. Officials stressed that the action was aimed at protecting public safety and preventing foreign-backed extremist activities.
The Iranian government strongly condemned the decision, describing it as politically motivated and warning that it would damage diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tehran has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks or plots in the UK.
The designation places the IRGC alongside other banned terrorist organisations in Britain and gives security agencies wider powers to investigate, disrupt and prosecute individuals linked to the group. It also allows authorities to freeze assets and restrict financial support connected to the organisation.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Western countries and Iran following the recent escalation in the Middle East. Governments across Europe have increased security measures over concerns about possible retaliatory actions and threats to critical infrastructure.
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