Britain took a firm diplomatic step on Tuesday, calling in Iran’s most senior representative in London to answer for what the UK government described as Iran’s role in orchestrating proxy groups to conduct attacks across Europe in recent months.
The diplomat summoned was Charge d’Affaires Ali Nasimfar, who was brought before the British Foreign Ministry over allegations that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force directed a group to carry out a series of attacks throughout Europe between March and May.
The British Foreign Ministry identified the proxy group as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. In a formal statement, the ministry described the conduct as “completely unacceptable,” adding: “Despite repeated warnings, Iran’s intelligence services have not ceased in their hostile activity. Instead, Iran has sought to intensify its malign behaviour.”
The Iranian embassy in London was not available to respond to requests for comment outside of regular business hours. Iran, which is in a state of conflict with the United States and Israel, has previously rejected claims that it uses proxy groups.
Just a day earlier, on Monday, Britain had formally designated the IRGC and an affiliated group as security threats under newly established powers designed to stop foreign governments from using proxy organizations for activities like surveillance and sabotage.
Iran’s government responded on Tuesday, condemning the British decision. Tehran argued that the IRGC is a legitimate part of Iran’s official armed forces and charged that Britain was breaking international law by targeting a state institution.
The Quds Force serves as the international operations arm of the IRGC. The United States has previously designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
