The United Kingdom has taken a decisive turn in its approach to Iran, officially designating the clerical regime as a “core security priority” and warning of a persistent, multi-layered threat to national security. This move, revealed in the government’s response to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament’s report on Iran published in September 2025, marks the sharpest stance yet by British authorities against Tehran’s activities both at home and abroad.
According to the report, the UK faces a broad spectrum of risks from Iran, including terrorist plots, espionage, cyberattacks, interference operations, and even assassination attempts on British soil. The government’s language is unambiguous: “The Government considers Iran to be a core security priority, given the ongoing threats it poses. We will take action wherever necessary to protect national security.” This tough rhetoric comes as the UK’s security services reveal that, since 2022, they have disrupted at least 20 Iran-backed plots—many of which targeted dissidents, journalists, and Jewish and Israeli communities within the UK, as reported by the NCRI-FAC.
MI5, the UK’s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, confirmed 15 attempts of murder or kidnapping since early 2022 against individuals critical of the Iranian regime. These chilling numbers underscore the seriousness with which the UK is now treating Iranian transnational repression. The report further identifies Iran as an “aggressive and capable actor in cyberspace,” using state-linked hackers and criminal networks to steal sensitive data and disrupt infrastructure. British officials now describe the situation as “unpredictable and dangerous,” citing Iran’s deepening partnership with Russia and its growing cyber capabilities.
One of the most significant policy changes announced is the placement of the entire Iranian state on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). This move requires anyone acting on behalf of Iran—including criminal proxies—to register or face up to five years in prison. The government’s intention is clear: to shut down covert influence operations and hold those acting on behalf of foreign powers accountable.
Beyond domestic threats, the UK government has condemned Iran’s extensive backing of Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other militant groups, accusing Tehran of using these organizations to project power and destabilize the Middle East. The government’s response also raises alarms over Iran’s continued stockpiling of highly enriched uranium and its refusal to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), fueling fears of nuclear escalation.
This robust response signals an escalation in the UK’s countermeasures, including expanded sanctions, enhanced intelligence operations, and closer cooperation with allies such as the United States, France, and Germany. The UK’s alignment with its Western partners is not only a matter of security but also of shared values and interests in curbing Tehran’s destabilizing behavior.
The publication of this report on September 6, 2025, has not gone unnoticed internationally. Across the Atlantic, U.S. lawmakers are also stepping up pressure on Iran. On September 5, 2025, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) urged President Trump to restrict visas for Iranian officials during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. In a letter, Lawler cited ongoing human rights abuses and Iran’s support for terrorism, highlighting a crackdown on various groups within Iran and the execution of many political dissidents. He emphasized the importance of aligning U.S. actions with the calls for freedom and democracy from Iranian citizens, framing it as a national security priority.
Lawler’s appeal comes amid significant unrest in the region and follows a series of executions and crackdowns by the Iranian regime. “It is imperative that the United States stands with those calling for freedom and democracy in Iran,” Lawler wrote, underscoring the growing bipartisan consensus in Washington that Iran’s behavior poses a threat not only to regional stability but also to the security of the West. According to Quiver Quantitative, Lawler’s advocacy is bolstered by his active legislative record and fundraising strength, with recent disclosures showing $889,500 in fundraising in Q2 2025 and $2.2 million cash on hand at the end of the filing period.
These developments come as Western governments grapple with how best to respond to Iran’s increasingly assertive posture. The UK’s new measures, including the expanded use of FIRS and enhanced sanctions, represent a significant tightening of the legal and operational environment for Iranian agents and their proxies. The focus on cyber threats is particularly notable, as British officials warn of state-linked hackers targeting critical infrastructure and stealing sensitive data. The government’s decision to call out Iran’s partnership with Russia adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Meanwhile, the UK’s condemnation of Iran’s support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis reflects broader concerns about Tehran’s regional ambitions. By backing these organizations, Iran is seen as seeking to extend its influence and undermine Western interests in the Middle East. The UK’s warning about Iran’s nuclear program—specifically its continued stockpiling of highly enriched uranium and refusal to cooperate with the IAEA—has only heightened fears of a potential nuclear crisis.
For many observers, the UK government’s response is a long-overdue recognition of the scale and seriousness of the Iranian threat. The decision to place the entire Iranian state on the enhanced tier of FIRS sends a strong message that covert influence operations will not be tolerated. At the same time, the government’s commitment to expanded sanctions and closer intelligence cooperation with allies signals a willingness to back words with action.
Yet, the challenge ahead is formidable. Iranian transnational repression, cyberattacks, and support for terrorism are deeply entrenched and unlikely to disappear overnight. Critics warn that while tougher measures are necessary, they must be carefully calibrated to avoid unintended consequences, such as increased tensions or retaliation against UK interests abroad. Others argue that the UK and its allies must do more to support Iranian dissidents and promote human rights, both inside Iran and among diaspora communities.
As the UK and the US prepare for high-stakes diplomatic engagements at the United Nations and beyond, the question remains: can the West’s new resolve translate into meaningful change on the ground? For now, the message from London and Washington is clear—Tehran’s actions will be met with vigilance, unity, and, where necessary, decisive action.
With the UK government’s strongest stance yet and growing calls from U.S. lawmakers for tougher restrictions, the international community is witnessing a marked shift in how Western powers confront the Iranian regime. The coming months will test whether these measures can blunt Tehran’s ambitions and protect the security of citizens at home and abroad.
