LONDON – UK authorities outlined plans for a new regime of sanctions against Iran on Thursday, including increased powers to target key decision makers in Tehran.
New criteria for penalising individuals and businesses, including those involved in the procurement or use of Iranian weaponry and military technologies, are included in the suggestions. Activities that undermine regional and international peace, stability, and security, as well as those that threaten democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, are now included in the criteria.
Furthermore, they would allow sanctions to be enforced in response to hostile activity against the UK, such as threats to persons, property, or security.
The move comes after the leadership in Tehran has increased its efforts to kill or kidnap its enemies outside of Iran. Since the beginning of 2022, British police have responded to more than 15 threats to citizens or other individuals in the UK.
In an effort to bolster their networks, Iranian intelligence services have reportedly built intimate relationships with organised crime gangs across Europe.
“The Iranian regime is oppressing its own people, exporting bloodshed in Ukraine and the Middle East, and threatening to kill and kidnap on British soil,” warned Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
“Today, the United Kingdom sent a clear message to the regime: We will not tolerate this heinous behaviour, and we will hold you accountable.” Our new sanctions policy will assist to ensure that those who wish to harm us have no place to hide.”
In addition, the United Kingdom announced the imposition of fresh sanctions via existing government systems that allow for the naming of persons responsible for serious human rights breaches in Iran. They target 13 individuals and organisations, including those in control of Iranian prisons and state cybersecurity organisations. Travel restrictions and asset freezes are among the measures, and individuals or organisations in the UK are not able to conduct business with those sanctioned.
This month, the United Kingdom holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council and was set to lead worldwide resistance to the Iranian regime’s weapons proliferation and nuclear escalation on Thursday.
According to reports, British authorities have supplied detailed proof to council members that Tehran is still supplying weaponry to the Houthis in Yemen and Russia for use in Ukraine, in violation of international law.
Source: Arab News