Iran has strongly criticised the United Kingdom over plans to outlaw support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), describing the proposed legislation as a hostile move that violates international law.
The condemnation came on Tuesday after the British government announced plans to criminalise support for the IRGC and another Iran-linked organisation accused of carrying out attacks targeting the Jewish community in the United Kingdom.
In a statement, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the proposal, saying it “condemns the hostile act of the British government… as unjustified, irresponsible and contrary to the fundamental principles and rules of international law.”
The proposed legislation follows remarks made on Monday by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who warned that individuals found supporting or assisting the listed organisations could face severe legal consequences.
“Anyone found supporting or assisting these groups will now face up to 14 years in prison,” Starmer said.
The British government is expected to present the proposed legislation before Parliament later this week as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security.
Apart from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the proposed law would also target proxies and volunteers linked to Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.
Also included is the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, an organisation alleged to have links with Iran and accused of claiming responsibility for attacks against Jewish-owned properties in London.
According to the UK Home Office, the legislation will introduce powers similar to those used for proscribed terrorist organisations, enabling the government to designate foreign state-backed proxy groups considered threats to Britain’s security.
Explaining the rationale behind the bill, the Home Office said, “The move will step up the government’s ability to counter state threats linked to foreign powers including espionage, foreign interference in our democracy, sabotage and physical attacks.”
British authorities said the proposal forms part of wider efforts to strengthen legal tools available to tackle foreign-backed security threats.
The announcement follows a series of antisemitic incidents recorded in London earlier this year.
Those incidents reportedly included multiple arson attacks targeting synagogues, community ambulance services and other facilities associated with the Jewish community.
The proposed law also comes shortly after a London court sentenced two individuals over a knife attack that prosecutors alleged was orchestrated on behalf of Iran.
The convicted men, both Romanian nationals, were found guilty over the 2024 stabbing of Pouria Zeraati, a television presenter with the Persian-language news outlet Iran International.
Iran has consistently rejected allegations linking it to attacks carried out abroad and has dismissed the accusations made by British authorities.
In response to the latest development, Tehran summoned the British ambassador to formally protest what it described as unfounded allegations and politically motivated accusations.
Iran insisted that Britain’s proposed action was unjustified and maintained that the accusations against the country lacked credible evidence.
The diplomatic disagreement marks another escalation in already strained relations between Tehran and London, with both countries continuing to exchange accusations over security, regional influence and alleged foreign interference.
