Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in April the government would legislate to label the group a terrorist organization.
Under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, which was fast-tracked through parliament, it will be illegal to encourage or express support for the organization, assist them in carrying out U.K. activities, or accept a material benefit from them. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday summoned Seyed Ali Mousavi, Iran’s ambassador to the U.K., to the Foreign Office. Tehran’s intelligence services have “planned and conducted dangerous, potentially lethal, operations,” she said.
The Tehran-linked Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right will also be proscribed after claiming responsibility for seven attacks at U.K. locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, which Eagle said have “caused real fear and distress.” The IRGC “almost certainly directed” the attacks, she added.