The UK government has unveiled plans to impose sanctions on Iranian officials engaged in what it considers to be hostile activities within the country. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that since January 2022, there have been 15 credible threats by Iran’s regime to harm or abduct UK citizens or individuals based in the UK.

Under current legislation, the UK has the power to impose sanctions on Iranians involved in human rights violations or nuclear proliferation activities within Iran. However, the new plans will expand the scope, enabling the government to target Iranian individuals responsible for “hostile activities towards the UK and our partners,” which includes threats to people, property, or security. Individuals involved in sending missiles and drones to Russia from Iran could also face sanctions.

The Foreign Office highlighted Iran’s increased efforts to target individuals perceived as enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including in the UK. The new sanctions regime will also target those undermining peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and internationally, using or proliferating weapons and technologies from Iran, and undermining democracy, rule of law, and good governance.

Legislation to establish the new sanctions regime will be presented to Parliament later this year, according to the Foreign Office. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasised that the UK is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime, stating that such malign behaviour will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable. He added that the new sanctions regime will ensure that there is no safe haven for those who seek to harm the UK.

The Labour Party has requested an update from the Foreign Secretary regarding the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the strong sentiments from various sides of the House and the Iranian diaspora regarding the proscription of the IRGC. Lammy expressed the need for an update on the matter, acknowledging the diplomatic complexities associated with it.