The UK has announced a new package of sanctions targeting Iranian-linked organisations and individuals accused of threatening British and international security.
The measures, unveiled by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday, are aimed at disrupting illicit financial networks and criminal groups allegedly acting on behalf of the Iranian regime.
The sanctions target organisations including Berelian Exchange, GCM Exchange and the Zindashti Network, all of which will face asset freezes and director disqualifications. Several individuals linked to the groups have also been sanctioned, with some additionally subjected to travel bans.
The government said the action was intended to counter Iranian-backed hostile activity overseas, including alleged threats against dissidents in Europe and the use of criminal proxies to conduct operations abroad.
In a statement, Cooper said: “This package of sanctions directly targets organisations and individuals who threaten security on UK streets and stability in the Middle East. Criminal proxies backed by parts of the Iranian regime who threaten security in the UK and Europe will not be tolerated, nor will illicit finance networks.”
She added: “We continue to press for a negotiated settlement and a long-term diplomatic solution in the Middle East, which urgently restores freedom of navigation to the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Foreign Office said the sanctions were coordinated with the European Union and formed part of a broader UK response to Iranian activity in the Middle East, including disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and military action against regional allies.
The government also reiterated plans to fast-track new state-threat legislation designed to strengthen powers against hostile foreign states, including Iran.
On April 28, the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, summoned the Iranian Ambassador for the third time this year. “The government has censured the Iranian embassy’s unacceptable and inflammatory comments on social media and made clear that any attempts to cause violence or inflame tensions in our communities will not be tolerated,” the government said in a statement.
The UK also sanctioned 10 individuals and one organisation in February for their brutal response to Iranian protestors in January and in previous protests.
The announcement comes amid growing concern within government over Iranian-linked activity in Britain. Officials said the UK has responded to more than 20 Iran-backed plots since the start of 2022 which posed potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents.
More than 550 Iranian individuals and organisations are currently sanctioned by Britain, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and dozens of figures accused of human rights abuses.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.