UK designates IRGC, IMCR, and Russian GRU unit as illegal organizations

The United Kingdom government has officially designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and a voluntary unit of the Russian GRU as illegal organizations. Security Minister Angela Eagle stated that the decision follows the implementation of the State Threats Act, a measure announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in April. The ban on the IRGC follows reports of threats to life and intimidation within British territory. The IMCR was proscribed due to its alleged involvement in attacks against the Jewish community in the UK. The Russian GRU unit was targeted based on accusations of sabotage and operations directed against the UK and Europe. This policy change creates a new legal mechanism for handling organizations acting on behalf of foreign states, following recommendations made in May 2025 by independent reviewer Jonathan Hall. Membership in or support for these groups now constitutes a criminal offense under British law.