Press release

UK announces sanctions against Iranian military figures and organisations following attack on Israel

The UK announces sanctions against Iranian individuals and organisations following Iran’s continued dangerous and destabilising activity across the Middle East.

  • the UK announces sanctions against Iranian individuals and organisations following Iran’s continued dangerous and destabilising activity across the Middle East

  • sanctions target senior figures in the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran’s Air Force and organisations linked to Iran’s ballistic and cruise missile development

  • announcement follows Iran’s attack against Israel on 1 October which threatened to escalate the conflict in the Middle East

The UK has today (14 October) announced a new round of sanctions targeting senior Iranian military figures and organisations for their role in attempting to destabilise the Middle East.

In response to Iran’s attack against Israel on 1 October, today’s package targets senior figures who facilitate this behaviour, in the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran’s Air Force and the IRGC Intelligence Organisation.

The package will also designate Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB), which designs and manufactures parts that can be used in cruise missiles, as well as the Iranian Space Agency, which develops technologies that have applications in ballistic missile development.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Despite repeated warnings, the dangerous actions of Iran and its proxies are driving further escalation in the Middle East. 

Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated these acts.

Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran’s unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region.

Today’s announcement follows repeated warnings from the UK and international partners calling on Iran to cease its dangerous and escalatory activity across the Middle East.

It also follows the G7 joint statement condemning Iran’s missile attack on Israel and outlined the necessary steps being taken in response.

The Foreign Secretary also discussed Iran’s actions with European partners at the EU Foreign Affairs Council today, where he continued to push for de-escalation across the region. 

Individuals sanctioned today and are subject to a travel ban and asset freeze, include:

  • Abdolrahim Mousavi: Commander-in Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and a member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council

  • Mohammad-Hossein Dadras: Deputy Commander-in Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army

  • Hamid Vahedi: Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

  • Mohammad Kazemi: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Chief

  • Habibollah Sayyari: Head of the Joint Staff of the Iranian Army and Deputy Chief for Coordination of the Iranian Army

  • Ali-Mohammad Naini: IRGC Spokesperson

  • Houssein Pourfarzaneh: Chief Engineer of Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB)

The following organisations are also subject to an asset freeze:

  • Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB): FPSDB designs and manufactures engine technology which can be used in cruise missiles

  • The Iranian Space Agency: The Iranian Space Agency develops space launch vehicle technologies, which have applications in ballistic missile development

The UK already has over 400 sanctions imposed on Iran, including designations against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its entirety and many of those responsible for the recent attack on Israel

The UK will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its escalatory behaviour in the Middle East and its attempts to undermine global security.

The UK is clear that a wider regional conflict must be avoided at all costs and is committed to working with partners to secure a ceasefire on all sides.

View the full UK Sanctions List.

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Updates to this page

Published 14 October 2024