Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security, enabling the banning of support for the group.The IRGC, linked to attacks on UK Jewish communities and intimidation, will now face penalties of up to 14 years in prison for any form of support.Two additional groups, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) and Russia's GRU volunteer corps, are also proscribed.The move grants police and intelligence agencies expanded powers to combat espionage, foreign interference, and sabotage.

Recent attacks, including antisemitic arson on Hatzola ambulances, have prompted the government to fast-track the National Security (State Threats) Act.Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to prevent Britain from becoming a target for state-sponsored violence.

MI5 has identified 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots in the past year, with the IRGC central to Iran's operations targeting Jewish communities and dissidents.The IRGC, established post-1979 revolution, is a key component of Iran's security apparatus, listed as a terror group by multiple nations.The UK's decision reflects rising concerns over state-backed aggression and the use of proxy groups.