The UK has sanctioned two Iranian nationals over their alleged role in facilitating or engaging in hostile activity on behalf of the Iranian regime, with the intent of threatening, planning or conducting attacks overseas. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said he had instructed his department to summon Iran’s ambassador.
The two designated individuals are Ruhollah Bazghandi and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki. The UK government identifies Bazghandi as head of counterespionage operations within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Tamarzadeh Jakki as a facilitator of the Zindashti criminal network, which has been involved in several plots against Iranian dissidents.
Both individuals are subject to an immediate asset freeze, a travel ban and director disqualification. The designations were made under the 2023 Iran Sanctions Regulations.
