UK Rejects Israeli Request to Label Iran's IRGC as Terrorist Group, Citing Diplomatic Concerns
The UK has decided not to label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, despite a request from Israel following last week's drone and missile attack by Iran.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Israel Katz during a meeting on Wednesday that such a move would impede London's ability to communicate with Tehran.
Cameron stated that the UK needs to maintain the ability to "pick up the phone" and engage with Iran.
The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) being proscribed in the UK would make it illegal for members to join, attend meetings, display symbols, or campaign for it in the country.
The UK government has considered this move for over a year but has held back due to concerns about severing diplomatic channels with Tehran.
The IRGC has been sanctioned by the UK on several occasions, and the US, which has banned the IRGC, has urged the UK to do the same.
The IRGC's navy was recently targeted with joint sanctions by London and Washington.