Iran–UK Allies Forum Statement Opposing the Proposed Proscription of the IRGC

Iran–UK Allies Forum expresses serious concern regarding the increasing political pressure on the UK Government to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.

The IRGC is an official armed force of the Iranian state. It has played a vital role in protecting Iranian citizens and national infrastructure.

Since its establishment, it has built various forms of infrastructure and defended the nation against terrorist and separatist organisations that have attempted the mass murder of Iranian civilians and/or tried to separate parts of the country, including Kurdish and Arab regions.

During this time, many of its members have been martyred or left with long-term disabilities in the most horrific ways.

As members of the Iranian community, we do not accept the characterisation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Based on information available to us, including our own experience of living in Iran, witness accounts, and direct engagement with individuals and families in Iran, we maintain that the IRGC has not committed acts of terrorism.

Regarding the riots in January 2026, we closely monitored the situation, including by making enquiries with our family members in Iran. There is overwhelming evidence that the rioters were extremely aggressive and were stabbing and burning officers who were trying to protect the nation.

Some Iranian dissidents are following the path of SAVAK and have no fear of killing, torturing, or raping people because of their political views.

If the IRGC took severe action against the murderers, it was in the best interests of the nation. While we accept that there may have been peaceful protesters among those who were killed, we emphasise that it was not reasonable for peaceful people to enter dangerous areas where it was clear that extreme violence was ongoing, including shootings by Mossad and other armed individuals. Some dangerous areas and times could easily have been avoided, including Tehran city centre at night.

We also condemn any move by the EU to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. It is not reasonable to suggest that the IRGC has started killing innocent people and peaceful protesters.

In addition to videos showing police officers being killed, there are also statements suggesting that foreign actors such as IDF were heavily involved and armed the rioters. We have seen IRGC members inside Iran in person, and we know them to be people of good character. We do not see any reason why they would kill innocent, peaceful protesters.

We are deeply concerned that any decision to proscribe IRGC would raise significant legal, diplomatic, and constitutional issues. The application of domestic counter-terrorism legislation, such as the Terrorism Act 2000, to a formal arm of a foreign state would represent an unprecedented step with far-reaching consequences.

While the British Government and many others actively arm the IDF, selling arms to other nations that are adversaries of Israel cannot be considered an act of terror.

Bearing in mind that arms sales to other countries are a major source of income for the US, blaming the IRGC for selling weapons is a double standard.

Iran–UK Allies Forum strongly opposes any move towards proscription. Should the UK Government proceed with such a decision, we will consider all available legal avenues, including seeking judicial review and challenging the lawfulness and proportionality of that decision before the courts.

We call for a measured, lawful, and evidence-based approach, free from political pressure, and grounded in respect for international law and due process.