The UK Government Has Announced That Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

The UK government has announced that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC will be designated as a threat to UK national security under new state-threat legislation. The move means activities such as supporting, assisting, or obtaining material benefit from the designated organisation could become criminal offences, with severe penalties in certain cases. The announcement was made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The government said the decision followed concerns about IRGC-linked activity in the UK, including alleged threats against individuals, intimidation, and cyber-related activity. The IRGC is a powerful branch of Iran’s security apparatus that controls military, intelligence, and overseas operations. The UK’s action is part of a broader effort by Western governments to respond to what they describe as Iranian state-linked threats. The designation is expected to increase legal risks for people in the UK who knowingly support or work with the IRGC. It also represents a significant escalation in UK–Iran relations.