The UK MPs and Lords peers are calling for action against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), urging the government to designate the organization as a terrorist group. The cross-party group, consisting of more than 50 members, including former home secretaries Suella Braverman and Priti Patel, penned an open letter to The Times highlighting the need for this designation.
The IRGC is a significant component of Iran’s military, with over 125,000 personnel serving in various capacities, including the Quds Force responsible for supporting militias in countries like Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. The recent Iranian attack on Israel prompted the signatories to describe it as another act of destructive terror by the IRGC.
The letter emphasizes that while the UK has proscribed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization is crucial due to its role in funding, training, and radicalizing these groups. The signatories believe that targeting the root cause of extremism is essential in combating terrorism effectively.
Former US President Donald Trump designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019, but the UK has been hesitant to follow suit to maintain diplomatic relations with Tehran. However, the UK has imposed sanctions on the IRGC as part of measures targeting Iran’s nuclear program, freezing assets and implementing travel bans on its members.
If designated as a terrorist organization in the UK, the IRGC would face similar legal consequences as groups like Daesh and Al-Qaeda, making it illegal to support them with severe penalties, including imprisonment. The signatories argue that the IRGC poses a significant threat to the UK, citing incidents like the stabbing of an Iranian dissident in London by individuals linked to the group.
The open letter was coordinated by the UK-Israel All Parliamentary Party Group, indicating bipartisan support for taking action against the IRGC. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is among the members backing the call for designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
The push to label the IRGC as a terrorist group comes in response to escalating tensions in the region, with Iran’s actions drawing condemnation from international leaders. By targeting the IRGC, the UK aims to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism, sending a strong message against state-sponsored violence and destabilization.
As discussions continue on how best to address the threat posed by the IRGC, the UK government faces pressure from lawmakers and experts to take decisive action. Designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization would not only align the UK with international efforts to combat terrorism but also send a clear signal that state-sponsored violence will not be tolerated.