Security minister warns of increasing threats from Tehran regime
The UK Government has announced new measures to combat covert foreign influence, with Iran becoming the first country to be placed on the enhanced tier of a new security scheme.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis told MPs that the Tehran regime and its intelligence agencies would be classified under the highest level of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) when it takes effect later this year. The move comes in response to what Mr Jarvis described as Iran’s growing aggression in advancing its own objectives while undermining Britain’s national security.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Jarvis highlighted how Iranian-backed activities targeting UK-based individuals and organisations had escalated in recent years. These include threats against media organisations and journalists reporting on the regime’s violent repression, as well as against Jewish and Israeli communities worldwide.
He also revealed that MI5 investigations into state threats had surged by 48% over the past year. “Since 2022, the UK has responded to 20 Iran-backed plots posing potentially lethal threats to British citizens and residents,” he told MPs. “It is clear that these plots form part of a deliberate strategy by the Iranian regime to intimidate and silence criticism through fear.”
Stronger legal framework to combat covert activities
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, described by Mr Jarvis as a “critical disruptive tool,” will require anyone acting under Iranian direction in the UK—such as criminal proxies—to register their activities or face up to five years in prison.
The scheme was initially due to launch in 2024 but had been delayed. However, the minister confirmed it is now expected to be operational by the summer. Individuals and businesses working with the Iranian regime will be required to register through a Government portal, similar to the process for applying for a passport or driving licence. A three-month grace period will be provided once the scheme is implemented.
While the number of individuals legally working with Iran is believed to be low—mostly limited to those supplying pharmaceuticals and other essential goods—the new measures will enable intelligence agencies to prosecute offenders more easily. The aim is also to deter individuals from entering into covert arrangements with the regime in the first place.
Certain exemptions will apply, including for diplomats, journalists, and legal professionals, to ensure legitimate activities are not impacted.
Calls for further action against China
The announcement has raised questions about whether similar measures will be applied to other foreign powers, particularly China. Opposition MPs have urged the Government to extend the enhanced tier of the scheme to cover Beijing’s influence in the UK.
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Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp pressed Mr Jarvis on whether China would be added to the list. However, the minister remained non-committal, stating that “today’s announcement specifically relates to Iran” and that any further designations would be announced in due course.
The Home Office has previously indicated that countries or foreign-controlled entities can be added to the enhanced tier where necessary to protect the UK’s national security.
Review of state-linked terror groups
As part of the broader crackdown, Mr Jarvis also confirmed that terrorism law watchdog Jonathan Hall KC had been tasked with developing a new process for proscribing state and state-linked organisations.
This review could pave the way for legal action against groups such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has long been accused of supporting terrorism and destabilising activities.
The minister said Mr Hall’s work would focus on designing a proscription mechanism that offers greater flexibility than current powers allow. “We are utterly determined to stay ahead of those who threaten our country, and any step that aids us in that critical endeavour will be considered,” he added.
The Government’s latest measures reflect growing concerns over state-backed threats to national security, with Iran’s increasingly aggressive actions placing it at the forefront of Britain’s counterintelligence efforts. While the new scheme marks a significant step in addressing covert foreign influence, pressure is mounting for similar action against other hostile states.
