UK Bans Support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

The UK government has enacted a ban on support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been designated as a threat to national security. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced this decision in a written statement to Parliament, emphasizing that assisting the IRGC could lead to a 14-year prison sentence.

The IRGC has been linked to multiple attacks in the UK, particularly targeting the Jewish community. Mahmood noted that the new powers would enable law enforcement to tackle espionage and foreign interference more effectively.

The ban is part of a broader strategy to address the rising threat from state-backed aggressors, including Iranian and Russian operatives. The IRGC, established in 1979, is accused of sponsoring terrorism abroad and has been listed as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the US and EU.

The UK government aims to fast-track legislation to enhance its ability to prosecute individuals involved in activities on behalf of the IRGC.