The UK Foreign Office announced that it had summoned Ali Nasimfar, the chargé d’affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London, over allegations concerning the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force in directing proxy groups to carry out attacks in Europe. The ministry also stated that, despite repeated warnings, Iran had failed to halt what it described as “hostile activities” across Europe.
According to a statement from the UK Foreign Office, the Iranian diplomat was summoned on Tuesday, 23 Saratan (14 July). The statement said that the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is alleged to have directed a proxy group between March and May to carry out attacks in several European countries.
The UK Foreign Office identified the group as the “Islamic Movement of the Righteous Allies” and described the alleged actions attributed to Iran as “completely unacceptable.” The statement added that, despite repeated warnings, Iran’s intelligence apparatuses had not only failed to end the alleged activities but had also sought to expand them.
At the time of publication, the Iranian Embassy in London had not issued a response regarding the summons of Iran’s chargé d’affaires or the allegations made by the UK government. Iran has previously denied using proxy groups to conduct operations abroad and has rejected such accusations.
The development comes after the UK government, on Monday, designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and an affiliated group as security threats under new legal powers aimed at countering the use of proxy groups by foreign states in activities such as espionage and sabotage.
In response, Iran condemned the UK government’s decision, stressing that the Revolutionary Guard is part of Iran’s official armed forces, and accused London of violating international law by targeting a state institution.
The Quds Force, the overseas branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has previously been the focus of allegations from Western governments. The United States designated the Revolutionary Guard as a Foreign Terrorist Organization several years ago.
The latest tensions between London and Tehran come as the UK has also intensified pressure on networks accused of helping to evade sanctions, including a network linked to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani. Iranian officials have rejected these allegations and measures, describing them as politically motivated.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
