Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the British government for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a national security threat and criminalizing support for the powerful military group in the United Kingdom.
“The IRGC is an integral part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s official armed forces and, alongside the Iranian army, is responsible for defending Iran’s territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and national security,” the ministry said on its Telegram channel today.
A spokesperson from the ministry described the UK’s decision as a “petty, provocative act that violates international law.”
The designation, which remains subject to parliamentary approval, would make supporting or assisting the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison, the British government said in a statement. Those who carry out espionage, sabotage or arson on its behalf could face life imprisonment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement yesterday that authorities have already taken action against people linked to Iranian and Russian networks operating in the UK.
“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.”
