UK summons Iranian diplomat over alleged IRGC-backed proxy attacks across Europe

Britain on Tuesday summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in London after accusing Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of directing proxy groups to carry out attacks across Europe in recent months, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two countries.

The UK Foreign Office called in Iranian Charge d'Affaires Ali Nasimfar over allegations that the IRGC's elite Quds Force directed the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right to conduct operations across Europe between March and May.

Describing the alleged activity as "completely unacceptable," the Foreign Office said Iran had ignored repeated warnings over its intelligence operations.

"Despite repeated warnings, Iran's intelligence services have not ceased in their hostile activity. Instead, Iran has sought to intensify its malign behaviour," the ministry said in a statement.

The Iranian embassy in London did not immediately comment on the allegations. Tehran has previously denied using proxy groups, including in its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

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The diplomatic move follows Britain's decision on Monday to designate the IRGC and an affiliated organisation as security threats under new powers aimed at preventing foreign states from using proxy groups for activities such as surveillance and sabotage.

Iran strongly condemned the designation, arguing that the IRGC is an official branch of the country's armed forces and accusing Britain of violating international law by targeting a state institution.

The IRGC's Quds Force is responsible for the organisation's overseas operations. The United States has designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation.

With inputs from agencies