Britain imposed 12 new sanctions on Iranians today, targeting individuals and entities accused of plotting attacks on UK soil and providing financial support to destabilising networks. The measures, announced by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), include asset freezes and travel bans under the Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023.
The sanctions are directed at alleged members and associates of what the Government described as the Zindashti criminal network, as well as several exchange houses and financial operators. Whitehall accused the network of involvement in Iranian-backed hostile activity, including threatening, planning or conducting attacks against individuals and assets in the UK and beyond.
Inside the Zindashti network
The Zindashti criminal network is alleged to be led by Iranian narcotics trafficker Naji Sharifi-Zindashti and is reportedly intertwined with Iran’s transnational repression efforts. According to the FCDO, the network is accused of carrying out assassinations and kidnappings across multiple jurisdictions to silence perceived critics of the Iranian regime. Murders linked to the group have been reported in the United Arab Emirates, Canada and Turkey.
The network has also been linked to specific threats on UK soil, including alleged plots to kill television presenters from the news channel Iran International. In January 2024, the US and UK took joint action against this network, with the US Treasury designating Sharifi-Zindashti and key associates.
The sanctioned financial operators and exchange houses are alleged to have provided services to individuals and groups linked to destabilising activity, enabling Iranian-connected networks to move funds despite international restrictions.
Broader pattern of hostile activity
The sanctions are part of a wider UK strategy to counter what the Government sees as Iran’s destabilising actions at home and abroad. In July 2023, the UK announced plans for a new sanctions regime specifically targeting Iran’s hostile and destabilising behaviour. The UK has also implemented a Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), requiring individuals and organisations working for or directed by the Iranian state to register their activities in the UK, with non-compliance potentially leading to criminal charges.
Security agencies have tracked numerous Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and residents. In October 2024, the Director General of MI5 stated that since the start of 2022, the UK had responded to 20 such plots. The UK’s terrorism threat level remains elevated. In July 2025, the UK joined 13 other countries in condemning Iranian intelligence activities, and the G7’s Rapid Response Mechanism has highlighted Iranian activity across G7 states. The UK’s Defence Secretary has said the UK is “leading this response to the Iranian threat” in close coordination with its allies.
Iran rejects the allegations
Iran has consistently denied involvement in attacks or plots in the UK and other countries. Iranian officials have rejected the UK’s allegations as “baseless” and “irresponsible,” accusing the UK of pursuing “unconstructive” policies and of supporting “anti-Iranian terrorist groups.” Iran’s embassy in London has also accused the UK of providing a “safe haven” for terrorist groups and has called on London to avoid “unfounded and irresponsible accusations.”
The legal basis for the sanctions is the Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023, which aims to encourage the Iranian government to comply with international human rights law and deter hostile activities. The regulations allow for asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualification orders.
