The UK has announced sanctions against two Iranian nationals, Ruhollah Bazghandi and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, for their alleged roles in facilitating or engaging in hostile activity on behalf of the Iranian regime. The measures, announced today, 12 October 2026, include an immediate asset freeze, a travel ban, and director disqualification for both individuals.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that Iran's continued attempts to undermine the security of the United Kingdom and international partners through its criminal networks, proxy groups, and state-backed activity are unacceptable. He confirmed that he instructed his department to summon the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom to reiterate that Britain will not tolerate threats on its soil.
Ruhollah Bazghandi is identified as the Head of Counterespionage Operations within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), while Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki is described as a facilitator of the Zindashti criminal network, reportedly involved in plots against Iranian dissidents. The UK previously designated the IRGC under its state threats powers and has imposed sanctions on more than 550 Iranian individuals and entities.
Between 2022 and 2023, the UK identified at least 15 credible Iranian-backed threats to kill or kidnap individuals in the UK, a figure that rose to more than 20 in 2025.