UK Designates IRGC and Russian Proxy as National Security Threats

The Government of the United Kingdom designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), and the Russian GRU Volunteer Corps as threats to national security on July 13 and 14, 2026. Utilizing the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, the government criminalized membership and support for these groups. Individuals providing assistance face up to 14 years in prison, while acts of sabotage may result in life imprisonment.

The crackdown follows a rise in state-backed aggression, specifically seven attacks by the IMCR targeting Jewish and Israeli communities, including arson attacks on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green and synagogues in London, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Security Minister Angela Eagle linked the IMCR directly to the IRGC Quds Force. MI5 also identified at least 20 Iranian-backed plots targeting dissidents and Jewish communities over the past year. To counter these threats, the government announced a £250 million investment over three years to increase security at Jewish schools and synagogues.

In response to these designations, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned Iranian Chargé d'Affaires Ali Nasimfar to address the malign activities. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the moves as unjustified violations of international law. Simultaneously, the IRGC launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, citing previous U.S. airstrikes in southern Iran. The UK also announced new measures targeting sanctions evasion networks linked to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani.