UK holds Iran-linked group responsible for antisemitic attacks and bans Revolutionary Guards

The UK announced that the Iran-linked Islamic Movement (IMCR) was responsible for arson attacks on Jewish targets and decided to ban Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The same regulation also bans the GRU Volunteer Corps linked to Russian military intelligence, while introducing life imprisonment for acts of sabotage.

Scraper SystemJuly 13, 2026, 08:45 PM

UK holds Iran-linked group responsible for antisemitic attacks and bans Revolutionary Guards

The UK declared that an Iran-linked group was behind antisemitic attacks on Jewish targets within the country and decided to ban Tehran's military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The government also presented comprehensive new powers to parliament to combat foreign state-sponsored acts of sabotage.

According to British officials, the group called the Islamic Movement (IMCR) claimed responsibility for seven arson attacks this year targeting synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and community centres. While there were no fatalities, four ambulances were set on fire in London's Golders Green area.

In its statement, the government said that members of the IRGC's elite Quds Force were 'almost certainly' directing the group's operations in Europe. It was also noted that the IMCR had claimed responsibility for attacks on synagogues in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Russia's GRU also added to banned list

The UK's new regulation also covers the GRU Volunteer Corps, linked to Russian military intelligence. The group is alleged to recruit individuals online for sabotage, arson and other hostile operations.

The new powers created under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 provide for life imprisonment for those who carry out acts of sabotage, including arson, on behalf of the IRGC, IMCR or GRU Volunteer Corps. Supporting or assisting these groups could be punished with up to 14 years in prison.

Strong statements from the UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said of the regulations, which parliament is expected to approve this week: 'We will never allow the UK's streets to be a playground for states that want to spread fear, division and violence.'

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores,' adding that the three groups had been swiftly added to the terror list and that those working on their behalf would be caught and imprisoned.

British intelligence agency MI5 has detected at least 20 potentially lethal Iran-linked plots against individuals in the country over the past year. The government has so far sanctioned more than 550 Iran-linked individuals and entities, and has allocated £250 million over three years for the security of the Jewish community.

These tough measures came a few weeks after two Romanian men were jailed for stabbing a journalist from a Persian-language television channel in London. The British judge ruled that the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian state. Iran has not yet made an official statement regarding Monday's announcement.

Source: Fox News

Have a story, event or announcement of your own?Send us your news on WhatsApp

Spotted an error in this story?Report it on WhatsApp

Share on all social platforms

UK holds Iran-linked group responsible for antisemitic attacks and bans Revolutionary Guards