Page 3 | UK bans support for Iran's IRGC

Twiglets1 · 2026-07-13T13:46:37+00:00

*Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be designated a threat to national security.* Mahmood will use new government powers to ban support for the group, which has been linked to death threats, attacks and intimidation in the UK. In a written statement to Parliament, she set out how support for the IRGC, from expressing a positive opinion to assisting them, will now be an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Two other groups are also being proscribed, the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and the volunteer corps of Russia's GRU (foreign military intelligence agency). New powers will be given to police and intelligence agencies to tackle espionage, foreign interference, sabotage and physical attacks from these groups. Iran's IRGC is believed to have directed seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities. [[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz0jkj7e87go https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz0jkj7e87go]]

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 15/07/2026 07:55

Binnyforthewin · 15/07/2026 07:37

If you will get prison for expressing a positive opinion about the IRGC they'll need a whole prion just for Mumsnet posters!

Oh no, they are always very keen to emphasise that they don't actively express positive opinions about the IRGC.

They just never condemn anything they do - be it murdering their own civilians, funding proxy groups like Hamas or Hezbollah or bombing ships in the Strait of Hormuz during a supposed interim peace deal.

While very vocally condemning the US and Israel on an almost daily basis, they just forget to also condemn the IRGC I'm sure.

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Binnyforthewin · 15/07/2026 07:37

If you will get prison for expressing a positive opinion about the IRGC they'll need a whole prion just for Mumsnet posters!

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 21:19

dwordle · 14/07/2026 21:05

So basically we can't travel to Iran now because you'll be an acceptable target. By the time this is all over it won't be safe to travel to any where if you're British or American

It's hardly safe for British people to travel to Iran anyway is it?

A British couple jailed in Iran on espionage charges have lost an appeal against their 10-year sentence, according to their family.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested in January 2025 while passing through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip.

They were accused of spying - charges they adamantly deny - and were sentenced in February. Both are currently on hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison.

A member of their legal team in the UK told the BBC no reason was given for the rejection of their appeal. Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, said they were "not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing".

He added: "It is a serious human rights violation, and it is one more reason why two British citizens, with no other options left, are now starving themselves in protest."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjrpwxe82ypo

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dwordle · 14/07/2026 21:05

So basically we can't travel to Iran now because you'll be an acceptable target. By the time this is all over it won't be safe to travel to any where if you're British or American

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 19:57

Rothburypixie · 14/07/2026 19:04

I wonder how Iran will react to this news

They’re not happy, calling the move unjustified and irresponsible.

Still, if the IRGC approves of what you’re doing you’ve probably doing it wrong.

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Rothburypixie · 14/07/2026 19:04

I wonder how Iran will react to this news

ErroltheSwampDragon · 14/07/2026 18:58

dwordle · 14/07/2026 17:51

So what about the support for the IDF, arrest warrant has been issued for Netanyahu....do we prescribe them. Or ICE who shot a parent in front of his children. What about America who now acts like a pirate charging 20% on all the trade that passes through the strait which indirectly will inflate many things by 20%. This alone will plunge even more into poverty.

When the UK chose to participate in an illegal war against Iran by allowing the US to use British air space who became party to the conflict. We are now a target. We could have stayed neutral like Spain.

Personally I think we should do more to help the Ukrainians push Putin out of the Ukraine and stay completely neutral in Iran other than broker peace. Regime change looks completely out of reach making another enemy right now feels like stupidity and a step closer to world war 3.

No one is suggesting we fund Iran or any other country that doesn't share our values. But we need peace and we need that strait open for trade. 2.20 trillion dollars this has cost the global economy....that should scare you because what comes next is going to be very unpleasant for a lot of people.

We elect politicians to make our lives better not ruin our prosperity for generations to come

Edited

Irrespective of your opinions on the rights and wrongs of any of those listed, as far as I'm aware none of them have attacked British citizens on British soil (the reason the IRGC has been proscribed)?

dwordle · 14/07/2026 17:51

So what about the support for the IDF, arrest warrant has been issued for Netanyahu....do we prescribe them. Or ICE who shot a parent in front of his children. What about America who now acts like a pirate charging 20% on all the trade that passes through the strait which indirectly will inflate many things by 20%. This alone will plunge even more into poverty.

When the UK chose to participate in an illegal war against Iran by allowing the US to use British air space who became party to the conflict. We are now a target. We could have stayed neutral like Spain.

Personally I think we should do more to help the Ukrainians push Putin out of the Ukraine and stay completely neutral in Iran other than broker peace. Regime change looks completely out of reach making another enemy right now feels like stupidity and a step closer to world war 3.

No one is suggesting we fund Iran or any other country that doesn't share our values. But we need peace and we need that strait open for trade. 2.20 trillion dollars this has cost the global economy....that should scare you because what comes next is going to be very unpleasant for a lot of people.

We elect politicians to make our lives better not ruin our prosperity for generations to come

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 16:47

GoneWithTHeWindJammers · 14/07/2026 16:27

Time to proscribe The Green Party

Haha not quite. Though it's true to say they have embarrassed themselves over the IRGC.

Wanting to lift sanctions and have a closer/more supportive relationship on an organisation believed to have directed 7 attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities. And another 19/20 attacks linked to Iranian dissidents.

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GoneWithTHeWindJammers · 14/07/2026 16:27

Time to proscribe The Green Party

KeeperOfTheSevenKeys · 14/07/2026 14:22

RedTagAlan · 14/07/2026 11:31

It is about free speech really. sort of (potentially) There are already laws against plotting attacks.

Edit. scored out really, and replaced with"sort of (potentially)"

Edited

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Yes and there are laws against supporting those who plot attacks.

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 13:27

RedTagAlan · 14/07/2026 11:31

It is about free speech really. sort of (potentially) There are already laws against plotting attacks.

Edit. scored out really, and replaced with"sort of (potentially)"

Edited

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No it isn’t. People can still show support for Palestinians without supporting groups that sponsor violence in the UK like Palestine Action or the IRGC.

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EasternStandard · 14/07/2026 11:34

ErroltheSwampDragon · 14/07/2026 11:12

I'm pleased that a group which organised violent attacks against British citizens to spread terror has finally been banned.

They have done nothing but cause pain and suffering in Iran and around the world. Anyone that thinks supporting such an organisation will result in peace, is deluding themselves.

Yes and I‘m glad it’ll end most of the support online.

RedTagAlan · 14/07/2026 11:31

KeeperOfTheSevenKeys · 14/07/2026 10:42

It's not about free speech, it's about the fact that the IRGC have directed at least 7 attacks in the UK.

Show quote history

It is about free speech really. sort of (potentially) There are already laws against plotting attacks.

Edit. scored out really, and replaced with"sort of (potentially)"

ErroltheSwampDragon · 14/07/2026 11:12

I'm pleased that a group which organised violent attacks against British citizens to spread terror has finally been banned.

They have done nothing but cause pain and suffering in Iran and around the world. Anyone that thinks supporting such an organisation will result in peace, is deluding themselves.

KeeperOfTheSevenKeys · 14/07/2026 10:42

dwordle · 14/07/2026 10:09

No it's more about how you prescribe dangerous groups and what that actually means in context with modern anti terror legislation. What support actually means and how that relates to the legislation

Under the current law those people could have been arrested and locked up for 14 years. Going forward let us say we prescribe Green Peace as a terrorist group, this sort of thing is already happening in America. Or how about socialist worker party or the green party....in the end it could be anyone you don't want to have free speech.

Don't let freedom drip away because you don't hold they key to the padlock

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It's not about free speech, it's about the fact that the IRGC have directed at least 7 attacks in the UK.

dwordle · 14/07/2026 10:09

KeeperOfTheSevenKeys · 14/07/2026 09:18

So because a group of pensioners were singing about a banned group (I'm assuming you mean PA) then we shouldn't be proscribing dangerous groups? If they were singing in support of Hamas or ISIS or the Atomwaffen Division would that br okay?

And I'm not sure what their age and class has to do with it. Or how someone can be a middle-age pensioner. What if they were working class millenials, would that change your opinion?

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No it's more about how you prescribe dangerous groups and what that actually means in context with modern anti terror legislation. What support actually means and how that relates to the legislation

Under the current law those people could have been arrested and locked up for 14 years. Going forward let us say we prescribe Green Peace as a terrorist group, this sort of thing is already happening in America. Or how about socialist worker party or the green party....in the end it could be anyone you don't want to have free speech.

Don't let freedom drip away because you don't hold they key to the padlock

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 09:51

I don’t think any of us are experts @GeneralPeter your opinions are as valid as anyone else’s.

I do understand the argument traditionally used. It clearly wasn’t an easy decision for the UK government to make but there has been an increase in IRGC sponsored criminal activity in the UK which is probably why they finally feel they need to take action to ban support for this organisation.

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GeneralPeter · 14/07/2026 09:38

I’m not expert to have an opinion but the traditional arguments against proscribing IRGC (which this is similar to) are about keeping diplomatic channels open and avoiding retaliation against Brits/dual nationals in Iran.

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 09:33

The description of "middle aged pensioners" did confuse me too @KeeperOfTheSevenKeys seeing as the state pension age is 67.

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Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 09:31

KeeperOfTheSevenKeys · 14/07/2026 09:18

So because a group of pensioners were singing about a banned group (I'm assuming you mean PA) then we shouldn't be proscribing dangerous groups? If they were singing in support of Hamas or ISIS or the Atomwaffen Division would that br okay?

And I'm not sure what their age and class has to do with it. Or how someone can be a middle-age pensioner. What if they were working class millenials, would that change your opinion?

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It's not even clear the pensioners were singing about a banned group - all @dwordle said was that they were waving Palestinian flags and singing songs.

Depends on the songs maybe, gettting into dodgy territory if the old dears were chanting Globalise the Intifada or Death to the US, Death to Israel!

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KeeperOfTheSevenKeys · 14/07/2026 09:18

dwordle · 14/07/2026 07:58

I think this is a very dangerous policy, not because I believe this group isn't a threat but more about this legislation and how it's now being used. I was at Sheffield train station two weeks ago and a group of what I can describe as middle class middle age pensioners singing in the main building. Very peaceful very respectful. They had Palestinian flags and clearly supported the Palestinian group. It made me think....are they breaking the law...because they support a banned group....14 years in jail.

I think we are heading down the rabbit hole and we need to be careful. We don't know what kind of government is going to follow this one and all these laws could be used against us.

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So because a group of pensioners were singing about a banned group (I'm assuming you mean PA) then we shouldn't be proscribing dangerous groups? If they were singing in support of Hamas or ISIS or the Atomwaffen Division would that br okay?

And I'm not sure what their age and class has to do with it. Or how someone can be a middle-age pensioner. What if they were working class millenials, would that change your opinion?

Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 08:59

The designation of the IRGC and the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR) will also add protection to the Jewish community in the UK @RedTagAlan if you care about that.

The move will step up the government’s ability to counter state threats linked to foreign powers including espionage, foreign interference in our democracy, sabotage and physical attacks.

It comes after the IMCR have publicly claimed 7 attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and Persian-language media, including the antisemitic arson attack on 4 Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on 23 March. Sitting behind IMCR were members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force, who almost certainly directed IMCR attacks across Europe.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/support-for-irgc-outlawed-in-crackdown-on-foreign-state-proxies#:~:text=In%20just%20one%20year%2C%20MI5,Jewish%20community%20and%20Iranian%20dissidents.

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Original poster

Twiglets1 · 14/07/2026 08:43

Bringemout · 14/07/2026 08:32

I find it genuinely amazing tbh. I had a conversation with someone who objected to americas actions in Iran (because she doesn’t believe in interfering apparently) yet seemed absolutely fine with Iran turning Lebanon into a proxy state. Couldn’t see the irony there at all. I think people are so ideologically captured by their own Jew obsession that they just try to ignore the inconsistencies in their own positions. It’s not morality it’s ideology.

The greens truly are awful.

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I don't think it's just a Jew obsession it's also an automatic anti US response.

Fair enough that a lot of people are against the US/Israel war in Iran. They did start a war and some people will always take an anti war stance which I respect.

But those same people should be equally against the IRGG's aggression re turning Lebanon into a proxy state, and should be critical of Hezbollah and Hamas for starting wars in Lebanon and Gaza. But they are a lot less vocal about that!

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RedTagAlan · 14/07/2026 08:37

dwordle · 14/07/2026 07:58

I think this is a very dangerous policy, not because I believe this group isn't a threat but more about this legislation and how it's now being used. I was at Sheffield train station two weeks ago and a group of what I can describe as middle class middle age pensioners singing in the main building. Very peaceful very respectful. They had Palestinian flags and clearly supported the Palestinian group. It made me think....are they breaking the law...because they support a banned group....14 years in jail.

I think we are heading down the rabbit hole and we need to be careful. We don't know what kind of government is going to follow this one and all these laws could be used against us.

Show quote history

I agree with what you say about the dangers. Because as always there is a "it depends" factor to it. And to be clear, I have not read the act or law, so I am posting in the blind a bit.

My main thought is that it is good to proscribe the IRGC because it adds a level of protection to Iranian dissidents in the UK, either as asylum seekers or asylum granted. They do appear to be the folk the IRGC plan against. I recall of the 20 terror plots in the UK that the IRGC that are said to have been foiled on, 19 of those were against Iranian dissidents. So that's a good.

The bad is, as you say, protestors at railway stations waving flags. It really does depend on what the details are.