The UK faces an increasingly serious and unpredictable threat from Iran, according to a new report published by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The 260-page document urges the government to take stronger, long-term action to counter Iranian state activity targeting individuals and interests in Britain.
The report, based on evidence gathered up to August 2023, details Iran’s involvement in attempted assassinations and kidnappings, espionage, cyberattacks, and interference through its nuclear programme. Although it does not cover events following the October 7 attacks in the Middle East, the committee says its findings remain highly relevant.
Committee chair Lord Beamish warned that Iran poses a “wide-ranging, persistent and unpredictable threat” to UK nationals and interests, stating that the country’s intelligence services are “ferociously well-resourced” and increasingly willing to take risks.
The ISC expressed concern over what it described as a “sharp increase” in physical threats on UK soil, particularly against dissidents and critics of the Iranian regime. It found that since the beginning of 2022, there have been at least 15 credible Iranian-linked plots targeting individuals in Britain — including attempted murders and kidnappings.
The threat, according to the report, now rivals that posed by Russia, with the Homeland Security Group describing it as the “greatest level of threat we currently face from Iran.”
The report also highlighted growing dangers to Jewish and Israeli interests within the UK, as well as ongoing targeting of independent Iranian media organisations such as Iran International, BBC Persian, and Manoto TV. MI5 told the committee it has seen “persistent targeting” of these outlets, with Iran viewing their reporting as a direct challenge to the regime.
BBC Persian journalists, in particular, have reported threats and harassment against family members still living in Iran, including interrogations and intimidation.
The ISC criticised the UK government’s response to date, accusing it of focusing too heavily on crisis management and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, rather than addressing the broader national security threat. It called for increased resources and a more strategic, long-term approach.
Among its recommendations, the committee urged the government to consider whether Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could be legally designated as a terrorist organisation — a move that has gained political support in recent months.
In response, a government spokesperson said the report underscores the crucial role of UK intelligence and security agencies. “This government will take action wherever necessary to protect national security, which is a foundation of our Plan for Change,” the spokesperson said, adding that 450 sanctions have already been imposed on Iranian-linked individuals and entities.
The government has 60 days to formally respond to the report.
