UK summons senior Iranian diplomat over alleged proxy attacks in Europe

Britain summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in London to protest alleged proxy attacks across Europe orchestrated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. The British Foreign Office stated that between March and May, the IRGC directed a group identified as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right to carry out these attacks.

The Foreign Office described the activity as "completely unacceptable," asserting that "Despite repeated warnings, Iran’s intelligence services have not ceased in their hostile activity. Instead, Iran has sought to intensify its malign behavior." The Iranian embassy in London was not immediately available for comment outside of regular business hours.

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Despite repeated warnings, Iran’s intelligence services have not ceased in their hostile activity. Instead, Iran has sought to intensify its malign behavior.

This action follows Britain's recent designation of the IRGC and a related group as security threats under new powers aimed at curbing foreign states' use of proxies for activities like surveillance and sabotage. Iran has vehemently condemned this designation, asserting that the IRGC is an official part of its armed forces and accusing Britain of violating international law by targeting a state institution.

The Quds Force is the overseas arm of the IRGC. The United States has previously designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Iran has historically denied using proxies in its regional activities.

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Tehran on Tuesday condemned the decision, saying the IRGC was an official part of Iran's armed forces and accusing Britain of violating international law by targeting a state institution.