07/13/2026 – The UK Government has announced the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the new National Security (State Threats) Act 2026. The move makes it a criminal offence to work for, support, or benefit the IRGC in the UK, with serious penalties for those involved.
The decision follows years of calls from parliamentarians, human rights organisations and members of the Iranian community for stronger action against the IRGC, which has supported hostile activities beyond Iran’s borders.
The Government has stated that the new powers are intended to strengthen the UK’s response to foreign state threats and protect national security.
The Association of Women and Youth Against Fundamentalism (AWYAF) warmly welcomes this long-awaited decision, which follows many years of sustained campaigning by AWYAF alongside other Anglo-Iranian organisations, human rights groups and dedicated supporters across the United Kingdom. Through public awareness campaigns, petitions, meetings with parliamentarians, community events and continued advocacy, AWYAF and its partners have consistently called for stronger action against the IRGC and greater accountability for the Iranian regime. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Members of Parliament and peers from across the political spectrum who consistently raised this issue in Parliament and repeatedly urged successive governments to take decisive action against the IRGC. Their commitment has played an important role in bringing about this significant step.
While this decision represents a major milestone, our campaign does not end here. AWYAF will continue to advocate for an immediate end to executions in Iran, the unconditional release of all political prisoners, and sustained international action to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its ongoing human rights violations. We remain committed to working with parliamentarians, civil society and international partners to support the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom, democracy and respect for fundamental human rights.