The United Kingdom has blamed an Iran-linked proxy group for a string of antisemitic arson attacks targeting British Jewish sites, prompting the government to take swift action.
British officials have accused the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR) of publicly claiming responsibility for seven attacks this year targeting Jewish and Israeli-linked locations, as well as a Persian-language media outlet critical of Iran's government.
The attacks included fires at synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and other Jewish community sites in London, with no injuries reported.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to crack down on foreign-backed sabotage, saying the new measures send a clear message to foreign adversaries seeking to sow violence on British soil.
"We will never let Britain be a playground for states who want to spread fear, division and violence on our streets," Starmer said.
If Parliament approves the designations later this week, anyone carrying out acts of sabotage — including arson — on behalf of the IRGC, IMCR or Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps could face life imprisonment.
Supporting or assisting the groups could carry prison sentences of up to 14 years, as the British government introduces new authorities to make it easier for prosecutors to secure convictions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has accused both Tehran and Moscow of relying on criminal proxies to conduct hostile operations inside the United Kingdom.
"Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores," Mahmood said. "I have rapidly designated three groups so those working for them will be tracked down and put behind bars."
The government has said IMCR emerged online earlier this year and has also claimed responsibility for attacks on synagogues in Belgium and the Netherlands.
British intelligence officials say Iran-backed proxy groups have increasingly recruited members of criminal organizations to carry out sabotage, intimidation and physical attacks across Europe, often targeting Jewish communities and Iranian dissidents.
The U.K. government has already sanctioned more than 550 Iranian-linked individuals and entities and has pledged £250 million to strengthen security for Jewish communities, including increased protection for synagogues, schools and community centers.
Britain has also designated Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, saying the group acts as a proxy for Russian military intelligence by recruiting individuals online to conduct sabotage, arson and other hostile operations.
