Foreign Secretary (): For years Iran's
intelligence services have planned and conducted dangerous,
potentially lethal, operations in the United Kingdom and across
the world, targeting innocent citizens and undermining our
sovereignty. Despite our clear warnings to Iran that this
activity is reprehensible, the Iranian threat to the UK persists.
Between March and May, across Europe and in the UK, there were a
series of attacks against Jewish communities, journalists and
Israeli interests. The criminal group Islamic Movement of
Companions of the Right (IMCR), otherwise known as Harakat Ashab
al-Yamin al-Islamiyah, have publicly claimed seven attacks at UK
locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and
Persian-language media, including the antisemitic arson attack on
four 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.
The repeated targeting of innocent individuals and communities in
the UK and across Europe is deplorable and shows the desperate
lengths Iran is willing to go to to intimidate and silence those
it sees as opponents.
We have consistently raised unacceptable attacks directly with
the Iranian authorities, who have denied our claims, given no
credible justification or alternative explanation. Given the
range of growing and evolving threats from states and
state-backed groups we have strengthened the powers available to
our world-leading police, security and intelligence agencies
through the National Security Act 2023.
Last March we went further to tackle the Iranian transnational
threat, placing the entire Iranian state, including the IRGC and
Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, on the enhanced
tier of HMG's new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS).
We also strengthened policing and intelligence responses, as well
as sanctioning more than 550 individuals and organisations linked
to the Iranian regime.
We will continue to ensure that our police, security and
intelligence agencies have the powers and tools they need to stay
ahead of those who seek to threaten the UK's safety and security.
The National Security State Threats Act 2026 received Royal
Assent on 8 July 2026. Implementing the recommendations of the
Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation report I
commissioned as Home Secretary, this landmark legislation
provides law enforcement and the intelligence agencies with
additional powers to disrupt and deter foreign power threat
activity directed against the UK and its interests.
Alongside our international partners, we remain committed to
calling out and countering Iran's hostile activities here in the
United Kingdom swiftly and forcefully. We have summoned the
Iranian ambassador to raise this issue in the strongest terms,
and will be setting out further measures in the coming days.
The protection of the United Kingdom and its citizens is our
foremost responsibility. We will not tolerate threats to our
security or to the safety of those who live here. Iran's actions
are irresponsible and unacceptable. They will not be tolerated.
