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The U.K. government listed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror group Monday, using new powers introduced under the National Security (State Threats) Act, according to media reports.
In a written statement to Parliament, Security Minister Angela Eagle said the government had "identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on U.K. soil," Sky News reported.
The government also designated the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, or IMCR, which Sky News described as being linked to Iran.
The decision followed the fast-tracking of the National Security (State Threats) Act, as promised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in April.
Following the designation, it is now a criminal offense to invite support for or express support for the groups, assist them in carrying out U.K.-related activities, engage in conduct likely to materially assist them, or accept or retain material benefits provided by or on their behalf, according to the report.
The U.K. government earlier Monday announced plans to ban the IRGC as a foreign-backed threat to national security under what it described as a "proscription-like" designation.
"Anyone found supporting or assisting these groups will now face up to 14 years in prison," Starmer said of a proposed law expected to be presented to Parliament this week.
The banned groups would also include Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, part of Moscow's military intelligence agency, and an Iran-linked group accused of attacks on Jewish properties in London.
The measures mark one of the U.K.'s strongest steps yet against groups it says pose foreign-backed threats to national security.
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