LONDON — Britain on Monday banned an Iran-backed group accused by the government of carrying out a series of attacks targeting Jewish community sites, as part of a wider package of measures against foreign state-linked organisations deemed security threats.
The government said it was designating the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), also known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, after the group claimed responsibility for seven attacks in the United Kingdom, including arson incidents involving Jewish sites and facilities. Security Minister Angela Eagle said the organisation was linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, which she said had directed the group’s activities.
The UK also announced measures against the IRGC itself, Iran’s powerful military and security organisation, using new powers introduced under national security legislation aimed at tackling foreign state-backed threats. The government said the new framework allows authorities to restrict support for designated organisations and prosecute those who assist them.
The allegations against IMCR follow a series of attacks that the group has publicly claimed, according to British authorities. The incidents included fires at synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and a Persian-language media organisation critical of Iran’s government, officials said. Police investigations into individual attacks remain ongoing.
The UK government has previously warned of increasing threats linked to foreign states and their proxies operating inside Britain. New powers under the National Security (State Threats) framework were introduced to allow authorities to target groups acting on behalf of foreign governments, including organisations that are not traditional terrorist groups.
The announcement comes as the government increases security measures for Jewish communities following a rise in antisemitic incidents. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has also announced additional funding to strengthen protection for Jewish schools, synagogues and community facilities.
Iran has not publicly accepted the British government’s allegations against IMCR or the claims linking the group to Iranian state institutions. The designations are part of a broader effort by London to respond to what it describes as hostile activity carried out by foreign-backed networks.
The government said the new restrictions would take effect under the recently enacted national security powers, with enforcement measures including criminal penalties for prohibited support activities.
