The British government has decided to sanction Iran and declared its intention to take legal action against Iranian personnel involved in what it describes as “hostile activities” in the United Kingdom.
Since January 2022, according to the British foreign secretary, there have been 15 genuine threats made by the Iranian regime to assassinate or kidnap people living in the United Kingdom or who are British citizens.
In accordance with the laws that are now in place, the United Kingdom has the authority to impose sanctions on Iranian nationals who violate human rights or engage in nuclear proliferation operations within the Islamic Republic.
James Cleverly has stated that the United Kingdom will not “tolerate this malign behaviour.”
The new measures would make it possible for the government to take action against Iranians who are responsible for “hostile activities towards the UK and our partners… including threats to our people, property, or security.” Sanctions could be imposed on Iranian individuals and companies that supply missiles and drones to Russia.
According to the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Iran has stepped up its efforts “to kill or kidnap individuals perceived to be enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including in the UK.”
For harming “peace, stability and security in the Middle East and internationally,” for using or spreading “weapons or weapons technologies from Iran,” and for undermining “democracy, rule of law, and good governance,” Iranians might be subject to sanctions under the new system.
James Cleverly, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, stated that this action demonstrated that “the UK has sent a clear message to the regime” and that “we will not tolerate this malign behaviour, and we will hold you to account.”
“Our new sanctions regime will help to ensure that there can be no hiding place for those who seek to do us harm,” he added. “Our new sanctions regime will help to ensure that there can be no hiding place.”
David Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, made the following statement in the House of Commons: “The government will be aware of the long-standing strength of emotion from various sides of the House as well as from members of the Iranian diaspora on the matter of proscription of the IRGC…
“Of course, I am aware that there are diplomatic ramifications associated with this question; however, I am confident that this House would appreciate an update from him on the matter.”
