United Kingdom has unveiled new measures against foreign state-backed threats after designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a national security threat, introducing new powers that will make supporting or assisting the organisation a serious criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The move, which was announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, represents one of the biggest changes to Britain’s national security framework in recent years as the government looks to improve its capacity to fight sabotage, foreign meddling, espionage, and politically motivated violence associated with adversarial foreign states.
The IRGC becomes one of the first organisations designated under the newly enacted National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, alongside the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps (GRU VC). If Parliament approves the designations later this week, authorities will gain expanded powers to prosecute anyone acting on behalf of the groups, with some offences—including sabotage and arson carrying potential life sentences.
According to UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, “we will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets.”
“We have already taken tough action against the Iranian regime and those linked to it, and against Russian operatives and networks targeting our country. These new powers will make it easier to prosecute and lock up anyone carrying out their dirty work here in Britain.”
Keir Starmer
He added that, “anyone acting on behalf of those who threaten our national security should be in no doubt that there is no place for you in Britain. We will find you and you will face the full force of the law.”
The announcement follows growing concerns within Britain’s intelligence and security agencies over an increase in state-backed operations conducted through proxy organisations and criminal networks operating inside the UK.
According to the government, the IMCR publicly claimed responsibility for seven attacks targeting locations associated with Jewish and Israeli communities, as well as Persian-language media outlets across Britain. Among the incidents cited was the antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on 23 March.
Iran’s growing reliance on proxy groups to accomplish state aims outside of its boundaries is shown by the British government’s belief that members of the IRGC’s elite Qods Force were most likely in charge of the IMCR’s operations throughout Europe.
The government also disclosed that in the last year alone, MI5 had discovered at least 20 potentially deadly Iranian-backed schemes aimed at people in the UK. Many of these threats, according to intelligence authorities, were aimed at Iranian dissidents, members of the Jewish community, and other people deemed adversaries of the Iranian government.
The legislation, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is a resolute response to more complex state-backed operations that are carried out through middlemen rather than official government agents.
“Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores. I have rapidly designated three groups so those working for them will be tracked down and put behind bars. I will leave no stone unturned to keep our country safe.”
Shabana Mahmood
UK Government Expands Security Powers as Iran, Russia Face Scrutiny
The designation of the IRGC and two additional organisations represents the first practical use of powers introduced under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, legislation that was fast-tracked following a series of attacks linked to foreign-backed groups earlier this year.
Beyond the Iranian-linked organisations, the Home Secretary also designated the GRU Volunteer Corps, which officials describe as a proxy organisation controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.
According to the government, the GRU has a long history of conducting hostile intelligence operations against Britain and its allies. Authorities allege that its volunteer and mercenary-style networks recruit individuals online to carry out sabotage, arson, harassment and other disruptive activities while distancing the Russian state from direct involvement.
According to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the government is committed to using proxy organisations to forcefully respond to changing challenges posed by adversarial regimes, noting that, “as foreign states increasingly seek to back threats on our streets, we are cracking down on those who try to undermine our country and its security.”
“Iran and Russia’s use of proxy groups to carry out state-backed activity on our soil is reprehensible. As I set out today, the IMCR publicly claimed responsibility for seven abhorrent attacks at locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and Persian-language media in the UK earlier this year. Their malign behaviour, and anyone who acts on their behalf, must be held to account.
Yvette Cooper
She added, “my message to Iran and Russia, and anyone who does their bidding, is clear. We will take all measures necessary to protect the British people, at home and abroad.”
Meanwhile, Western governments have long accused the IRGC of sponsoring violent organisations and carrying its abroad activities through proxy organisations. Australia, Canada, and the United States have previously recognised it as a terrorist organization, and the European Union put the force to its terrorism list earlier this year following reports of its involvement in crushing anti-government protests in Iran.
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