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UK Bans Iran's IRGC Under New National Security Powers. The UK government has proscribed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), making it the first organisation designated under new powers to combat hostile state-linked threats. The move follows growing concern over alleged Iranian-backed plots, including attacks targeting Britain's Jewish community and other activities considered threats to national security. Under the new legislation, membership in or support for the IRGC will become a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Ministers argue that the designation closes a legal gap by allowing authorities to treat state-backed organisations in a similar way to terrorist groups operating in the UK. The decision marks a significant policy shift after years of debate over whether existing terrorism laws could be applied to an official branch of a foreign state. The government says the measure strengthens its ability to disrupt espionage, sabotage, foreign interference and proxy operations linked to Iran. The proscription also reflects a broader effort to respond more forcefully to hostile state activity following repeated warnings from UK intelligence agencies.
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