The UK government has downplayed designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, despite renewed calls following the brutal suppression of anti-government protests. Downing Street cited concerns about the "practical effect" of such a move and the "appropriate use" of domestic legislation.
The protests, which began on December 28 over Iran's ailing economy, have escalated into the most significant challenge to the regime in years. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 544 confirmed deaths—496 protesters and 48 security forces—with more than 10,000 people detained across the country.
Government's Position
Sir Richard Moore, former head of MI6 who served as chief of the Secret Intelligence Service from 2020 to 2025, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday that proscribing the IRGC would be largely symbolic. «The danger is that something like that is mostly about us feeling better about ourselves, it's not actually something that will have an impact on IRGC precisely because you know that that instrument is designed for non-state terror groups, not for parts of the state like the IRGC», he said.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman backed this assessment, telling reporters: «I've set out our position separate to Sir Richard Moore's position, but I think it's helpful to point back to his words too.»
Trade Secretary Peter Kyle told Times Radio the government would not use domestic terror legislation inappropriately, despite caring "very deeply about civilians and people in Iran." «It is no question and I don't think anybody would question the fact that this Government cares very deeply about civilians and people in Iran. We will do everything we can, but when we use domestic legislation, we need to make sure that it's appropriate use of it», he said.
Kyle told Sky News that «the people of Iran should get the government they choose and the government of Iran should not, in any way, be cracking down in a murderous way which we've seen so far.»
International Pressure
US President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday night that «Iran wants to negotiate» after he threatened action following the crackdown. Kyle responded cautiously when asked about potential US actions, telling Sky News: «Well, there's a lot of ifs in the question itself, so we have to see how this unfolds. We need to understand specifically what Donald Trump and America is proposing.»
The UK has already imposed sanctions against Iran, which Kyle said were used «to the full extent we can.» Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper spoke with her Iranian counterpart on Monday, demanding an end to violence and upholding fundamental rights.
Demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street over the weekend calling for an IRGC ban, supported by senior parliamentary figures including Labour peer Lord Spellar and former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
