Three organisations have become the first to be designated as threats to UK national security under new powers introduced by the government.
The designation, which came into force on Friday after being approved by Parliament, applies to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps.
The move was made under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, following an order laid before Parliament by the home secretary earlier this week.
Under the new law, it is now a criminal offence to express support for any of the three designated organisations if that support encourages or glorifies activities that threaten the UK's safety. It is also illegal to assist the groups or accept material benefits, including payments, from them.
Those convicted of these offences could face prison sentences of up to 14 years.
The legislation also provides for more severe penalties in cases involving offences such as sabotage carried out on behalf of the organisations. Such cases could be prosecuted under the National Security Act 2023, where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
The three organisations are the first to be added to the UK's list of designated bodies under the new state threats regime, which ministers say is intended to strengthen the country's response to hostile activity by foreign states and their proxies.
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