On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the UK Parliament’s Grand Committee held a debate on new national security regulations under the National Security Act 2023, focusing on foreign influence and activities within the UK, a central focus of which was the nefarious activities of Iran’s regime.
The session addressed the Foreign Activities and Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) Regulations 2025, which are set to come into force on July 1, 2025. The scheme aims to enhance transparency around the involvement of foreign powers in British public life and to deter hostile state activity.
Iran’s Regime Listed Under Enhanced Tier
A central focus of the debate was the Iranian regime, which has been designated under the “enhanced tier” of the scheme. This designation means that any individual or entity operating under the direction of the Iranian regime within the UK will be legally required to declare their activities to the UK Government. Non-compliance could result in criminal prosecution, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.
Entities falling under the Iranian regime’s designation include:
- The Supreme Leader
- The Government, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament)
- The Judiciary
#Iran News: UK MPs Debate Tougher Measures Against Iranian Regime Amid Security Threatshttps://t.co/w1xyu4Cmg2
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 20, 2025
Parliamentary Concerns Over Proxies and Prosecution
Lord Cryer raised particular concerns about the Iranian regime’s global use of proxies and even criminal networks operating within the UK and Europe. He questioned whether failing to register a relationship with the regime or its affiliates would amount to a criminal offense.
In response, Lord Hanson of Flint, the Minister of State, Home Office, confirmed that:
- Any individual acting under the direction of the Iranian regime or its proxies must register their activities.
- Failure to do so would constitute a criminal offense, carrying a potential five-year prison sentence.
- The enhanced tier includes anyone acting as a proxy for the Iranian regime.
Lord Cryer also pressed the government on the full proscription of the IRGC. While the IRGC has not yet been proscribed in its entirety, Lord Hanson of Flint noted that engagements with the IRGC would still fall under the regulations. He added that the government continues to review proscription measures as part of its national security strategy.
#Iran News: #UK Parliament Debates Actions to Counter Iranian Regime’s Destabilizing Activitieshttps://t.co/F1r6RXitee
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 16, 2025
Risks for the Iranian Diaspora in the UK
Lord Purvis of Tweed raised concerns from the Home Office impact assessment, which warns that reciprocal measures from Tehran could lead to discrimination and exclusion targeting the Iranian diaspora in the UK. He questioned what steps the government was taking to protect this vulnerable community.
Lord Hanson of Flint assured the Committee that the UK Government is “acutely aware of hostile state threats” and is undertaking “significant work” to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. He reiterated that the goal of the FIRS is to promote openness and transparency around foreign influence—not to target diaspora communities.
The implementation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme marks a turning point in the UK’s approach to combating covert foreign influence and state-sponsored intimidation. With the Iranian regime under special scrutiny, the government has signaled a tougher stance on malign foreign interference.