UK proscribes Iran's IRGC, linked group as national security threats

London, Jul 13 (PTI) The UK on Monday announced plans to proscribe Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a second group linked with Tehran over alleged antisemitic attacks and threats to life on British soil. In a move that would make it a criminal offence to be associated with the banned groups, Home Office Minister of State for Security Angela Eagle informed the House of Commons that the role of the IRGC extends far beyond that of a conventional military force to encompass "intelligence activity, the use of proxy actors and the projection of influence designed to advance Iranian state objectives”.  The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), a group backed by the IRGC, has been banned for being behind a series of attacks and attempted attacks targeting Jewish communities in the UK and Europe. "The IRGC is a central component of the Iranian state's security apparatus, answerable directly to Iran's Supreme Leader," said Eagle in a written parliamentary statement.  "The United Kingdom has identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on UK soil. In January 2024, the UK announced sanctions targeting Iranian officials responsible for threat to kill on UK soil and criminal gangs who do the regime's bidding overseas.  "The Iranian officials designated under these sanctions were members of IRGC Unit 840, which was exposed in relation to plots to assassinate two Iran International TV journalists in the UK," she said.  The sanctions this week, which also proscribe the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Volunteer Corps (GRU VC), fall under the new National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.  “The Act provides a power for the Home Secretary to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity, where it is necessary to protect the safety or interests of the United Kingdom," explained Eagle.  “Designation introduces new criminal offences relating to supporting, assisting, or obtaining material benefit from a designated body. Where an individual engages in espionage, sabotage or foreign interference for, on behalf of or with the intention to benefit the designated body, they may also be charged under the National Security Act 2023. The maximum penalty for these offences reaches life imprisonment," she stated.  The UK government claims the IRGC Qods Force (IRGC QF) and IRGC Intelligence Organisation, together with the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, make up the Iranian “intelligence apparatus”. IRGC QF is accused of maintaining and operating covert intelligence networks around the world and plays a central role in extending Iranian influence across the Middle East and beyond. With reference to the IMCR, Eagle noted that its acts of arson and intimidation had caused real fear and distress in Britain. Also known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyah, the IMCR are said to have publicly claimed seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and Persian-language media, including an antisemitic arson attack on four Jewish community Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, north London, on March 23.  She added: “Sitting behind IMCR were members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force, who almost certainly directed IMCR attacks across Europe.  “While the IRGC has already been sanctioned in its entirety by the UK, designation of both IMCR and IRGC under this framework will strengthen our ability to disrupt and take enforcement action against those supporting or facilitating this type of activity, and reinforces the UK's position that these malign actions are unacceptable.”  Once the new sanctions complete the Parliament process this week, anyone found guilty of conducting criminal acts on behalf of these proscribed groups will face life imprisonment.  In January, the European Union added the IRGC to its terror list. PTI AK ZH ZH ZH