Al Jazeera
centerREPORTUK to list Iran’s IRGC as ‘terror’ threat

Full BriefGenerated 26d ago
What Happened
The UK government submitted draft regulations to Parliament on Monday to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security under new ‘state threats’ powers. If approved, it will become a criminal offence—punishable by up to life imprisonment—to support the IRGC, assist its UK activities, or accept material benefits from it. The designation follows a series of anti-Semitic attacks in the UK, including the arson of four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community charity in March. Alongside the IRGC, the UK also designated the Iran-backed Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), which claimed seven attacks on Jewish sites earlier this year, and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps. Caretaker PM Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood framed the move as part of a broader crackdown on foreign state-backed sabotage and interference.
Key Actors
- ·UK Government(Designating authority)Submitted draft regulations to Parliament to criminalise support for the IRGC, IMCR, and GRU Volunteer Corps, citing national security threats.
- ·Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)(Iranian military organisation)Targeted for designation; accused by the UK of using proxies and criminal networks to target Jewish communities and Iranian dissidents.
- ·Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR)(Iran-backed group)Designated as a threat after claiming seven attacks on UK Jewish sites; its members face life imprisonment for arson and other crimes.
Why It Matters
The designation marks a significant diplomatic escalation between the UK and Iran, further straining bilateral relations and aligning London with Western efforts to counter Iranian proxy networks. It also provides prosecutors with new tools that bypass the need to prove a foreign state connection, potentially accelerating convictions for Iran-linked operations on UK soil. The move may provoke retaliatory measures from Tehran and embolden similar designations by other European states.
Watch For
Parliamentary approval expected by Friday, 2 May 2025; possible Iranian diplomatic response, including summoning the UK ambassador or reciprocal designations; any new arrests or prosecutions under the new powers; and reactions from the EU or other Western allies considering parallel measures.
Generated 26d ago · Based on full articleAuto-Compiled
This page aggregates and summarizes reporting from Al Jazeera. The Conflict Pulse does not author original reporting. Read the original source for full coverage.
CONFLICT OVERVIEW
Iran
Latest verified updates on Iran’s regional confrontation, U.S.–Israeli strikes, missile retaliation, proxy networks, sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz risks.
SOURCE PERSPECTIVES
How outlets across the bias spectrum are covering this conflict.
left
Iran issues tough demands to reopen strait of Hormuz as deal still out of reach
The Guardian Middle EastBluster and backdown have turned Iran war into Trump’s own Groundhog Day
The Guardian Middle EastLATEST FROM IRAN

DEVELOPINGBBC US & Canada8h ago
Hormuz talks positive, Oman says, as Iran warns deal would not open strait

DEVELOPINGMiddle East Eye10h ago
US Vice President confirms direct US-Iran talks over Strait of Hormuz

REPORTAl Jazeera13h ago
UAE says Iran targeted ADNOC tanker in Strait of Hormuz, no casualties

REPORTAl Jazeera13h ago
Iraq’s Kurdish region wants to stay out of regional conflicts: PM Barzani

REPORTMiddle East Eye13h ago
Saudi Arabia and Qatar condemn Iranian attack on UAE tanker

REPORTMiddle East Eye16h ago