UK Designates Iran’s IRGC and Russia-Linked GRU Volunteer Corps Under New State Threat Powers.
London:
The United Kingdom has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Russia-linked GRU Volunteer Corps (GRU VC) under new national security powers aimed at tackling foreign state-backed hostile activities, marking one of the first major uses of the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of proxy groups by foreign governments to conduct covert operations, intimidation, sabotage, and attacks on British soil.
The UK government said the IRGC has been central to Iran’s overseas operations, with intelligence agencies identifying at least 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots targeting individuals in the UK over the past year. Authorities allege that the IRGC has long relied on proxy groups and criminal networks to threaten and attack members of the Jewish community, Iranian dissidents, and other perceived opponents abroad.
Officials also cited the Islamic Movement of the Resistance (IMCR), which publicly claimed responsibility for seven attacks earlier this year on locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, as well as Persian-language media organisations operating in the UK.
Alongside the action against Iran, the Home Secretary designated the GRU Volunteer Corps (GRU VC), a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU. According to the government, the organisation recruits individuals online and uses volunteer and mercenary-style proxy networks to carry out hostile acts, including sabotage, arson, intimidation, and harassment on behalf of the Russian state.
The government said the new designations reflect the evolving nature of state-sponsored threats, with foreign governments increasingly relying on proxy organisations rather than official intelligence officers to conduct covert operations.
Under the new legislation, designated organisations will now be treated similarly to foreign intelligence agencies under key offences in the National Security Act. This means prosecutors will no longer need to prove a direct connection to a foreign power in every case, making it easier for authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals engaged in hostile state-backed activities.
The new powers were introduced through the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, which received Royal Assent last week. The legislation was fast-tracked following a series of antisemitic attacks in north London and is intended to strengthen the ability of police, security, and intelligence agencies to respond to state-sponsored threats.
The government also announced enhanced security measures across the country, including the deployment of more than 500 additional police officers, increased patrols, and stronger protection for schools, synagogues, and community centres. Counter-terrorism policing will also receive additional support in response to the heightened threat of antisemitic violence.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK would not tolerate foreign governments using proxy groups to undermine national security.
“As foreign states increasingly seek to back threats on our streets, we are cracking down on those who try to undermine our country and its security,” Cooper said.
She accused both Iran and Russia of using proxy organisations to conduct hostile activities within the UK, describing such actions as “reprehensible.” Referring to the recent attacks claimed by the IMCR, she said those responsible, along with anyone acting on behalf of foreign states, would be held accountable.
“My message to Iran and Russia, and anyone who does their bidding, is clear,” Cooper added. “We will take all measures necessary to protect the British people, at home and abroad.”
The government noted that it has already imposed sanctions on the IRGC in its entirety and on more than 550 Iran-linked individuals and organisations as part of its broader strategy to counter hostile state activities.
Officials said the latest measures complement the National Security Act 2023 and the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, further strengthening Britain’s legal framework to combat espionage, foreign interference, and state-sponsored criminal activity.If you’d like, I can also provide SEO headline options and social media hashtags for this news article.
