The case for banning the IRGC is now overwhelming
The case for proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has been clear for many years. In the wake of Iran’s unprecedented bombardment of Israel at the weekend, that case is now overwhelming. The terror arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the most dangerous actors in the Middle East, funding and directing Iranian proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Most recently the latter has caused mayhem in the Red Sea, targeting commercial shipping.
The IRGC also plays a malign role in Britain and poses a direct threat to the safety of British citizens. Last year MI5 revealed that it had foiled ten assassination attempts by the IRGC on British residents in 2022, along with 15 foiled other plots. Last month an Iranian journalist was attacked outside his house. The IRGC has also been scouting Jewish and Israeli targets in the UK, as it has done in the US – which has proscribed it. Its propaganda activities and the front organisations it funds are designed to radicalise British Muslims and further destabilise society. This week’s Policy Exchange report shows clearly the extent of the IRGC’s attempts to entwine itself within the Muslim community and beyond. And yet the IRGC is left to operate freely, with bodies like the Charity Commission and CPS shackled from taking serious action against its operations here. How the Iranians must laugh at our self-imposed weakness.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office argues that proscription would damage diplomatic relations with Iran – a bizarre argument that ignores both our complete inability to influence Iran and the IRGC’s mendacious and threatening operations on British soil. Even now, with Iran stepping up its offensive actions against one of our closest allies, Rishi Sunak has indicated that he is unwilling to proscribe the IRGC. This is not just wrong – it is a dereliction of his first duty, to protect British citizens. Iran intends to kill British citizens. It must be stopped.
Rishi Sunak has indicated he is unwilling to proscribe the IRG. This is a dereliction of his first duty, to protect British citizens