60 British Legislators Request Sunak: Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

Dozens of British lawmakers have urged their government to recognize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. More than 60 members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords wrote in a letter to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the UK, stating that given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, it is now more essential than ever to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity. They argued that 'such a decision would be a major step towards [establishing] peace, stability, and justice in the Middle East and beyond.' In mid-January of last year, a senior official from the UK Foreign Office indicated that the country was actively considering designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, but no final decision had been made yet. Being recognized as a terrorist entity in the UK would mean that membership in it, participation in its meetings, and carrying its symbols would be prohibited. The United States designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization during Donald Trump's presidency, and the Joe Biden administration has also refrained from removing this group from the list despite repeated requests from the Islamic Republic. The IRGC is currently under extensive sanctions from the UK, the European Union, and Canada, but despite repeated calls from political and civil activists and Iranians abroad, it has not yet been classified as a terrorist organization by any of them. Reports from the Jewish Chronicle highlight the IRGC's influence in 'the heart of Britain'; Jason Bradski stated that the IRGC should be recognized as 'terrorist.' The UK has sanctioned 13 individuals and entities linked to the Islamic Republic. The UK has expanded its sanctions against the Islamic Republic without labeling the IRGC as 'terrorist.' The UK has stated that the construction of the 'Fattah' missile poses a serious threat to global security. A protest march in London saw Iranians urging the UK to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The US, UK, and EU have sanctioned four IRGC commanders. The UK has sanctioned several IRGC officials; the EU is set to impose its sixth sanctions package.