On March 6, 2025, the UK House of Lords engaged in a significant debate regarding the Iranian regime’s alarming actions. Multiple members urged the government to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, citing the regime’s severe human rights abuses and imminent executions of political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, showcasing its brutal suppression of dissent through torture and capital punishment.
Baroness Kennedy led calls for the IRGC’s proscription, highlighting that countries like Sweden and the US have already taken such steps. She questioned whether the UK’s hesitance stemmed from an effort to maintain diplomatic ties with Tehran. If full proscription proves challenging, she suggested that the Revolutionary Guard’s leadership could be subjected to targeted sanctions instead.
In response, Home Office Minister Lord Hanson assured the Lords that the government is continuously reviewing the IRGC’s status but did not confirm immediate action. He stated that Jonathan Hall KC is tasked with assessing how existing counterterrorism frameworks could address contemporary state threats, like those posed by Iran, which may lead to new proscription mechanisms for state-affiliated entities.
Lord Arbuthnot and Lord Cryer expressed frustration with the government’s vague stance. Arbuthnot questioned the meaning of “keeping it under review”, while Cryer labelled the IRGC as “homicidal maniacs,” demanding clarity on what further actions would trigger its proscription. The government has elevated Iran within its Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, warning that failure to register foreign state activities could lead to severe penalties, signalling a toughened stance against Iranian behaviour.
Lord David Alton raised urgent concerns regarding the perilous situations of Ehsani and Hassani, spotlighting the latter’s history of torture since his arrest. Alton quoted Hassani, revealing his resilience and dedication to the freedom of Iran’s people amidst the threats against his life, urging the government to liaise with UN bodies to challenge wrongful verdicts hanging over dissidents.
Additionally, the Lords advocated for direct engagement with Iranian pro-democracy groups. Baroness O’Loan emphasised the necessity of supporting civil society advocates for a democratic Iran, calling for the UK to welcome Maryam Rajavi, leader of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
The government’s current hesitation to declare the IRGC as a terrorist organisation contrasts with its pledge to counter Iranian interference and protect dissidents in the UK. However, Lords stress that a definitive, robust response is essential to avert security risks and hinder regime repression.
On March 6, 2025, the House of Lords debated the Iranian regime’s threats, with calls to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Concerns raised included severe human rights abuses and imminent executions of political prisoners. The government confirmed ongoing reviews but refrained from immediate action, while calling for greater support for Iranian civil society and pro-democracy movements.
The UK House of Lords has called for decisive action against the Iranian regime, specifically urging the government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation amidst alarming reports of human rights abuses, including imminent executions. While the government has reassured ongoing reviews of the IRGC’s status, substantial pressure continues to mount for a stronger stance against Iran’s systemic violence and suppression of dissent. Engagement with pro-democracy factions and enhanced support for Iranian civil society are vital to pave the way for meaningful change.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
