Britain bans support for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, other groups
July 13 (UPI) -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and two other groups will become the first named as threats to national security in Britain under new government powers, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Monday.
In a statement to Parliament, Mahmood said support for the IRGC at any level will be punishable by up to 14 years in prison, BBC News reported. If Parliament approves it later this week, those who take part in acts of sabotage on behalf of the groups could face life imprisonment.
The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, the military intelligence agency, are also included in the orders.
"Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores," Mahmood said in a government release. "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."
The release said that the designations help the government's ability to counter state threats linked to foreign powers, including espionage and attacks. The IMCR has claimed seven attacks linked to Jewish and Israeli communities in the U.K. This includes a March 23 arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to fast-track the National Security (State Threats) Act in April. The changes mean that prosecutors will not have to establish a foreign powers connection in every case.
BBC News reported that MI5 identified at least 20 Iranian-backed plots against U.K. citizens in the past year.
"We will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence in our streets," Starmer said. "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."
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 2:26 PM.