Posted by 
LONDON — The U.K. imposed fresh sanctions on senior Iranian officials, aimed at tackling what London says is a threat to the U.K.’s domestic security.
The sanctions were drawn up in conjunction with the U.S., according to the U.K.’s Foreign Office, and come amid heightened tensions between the West and Iran.
Seven people, including some senior Iranian officials, and one organization are being hit by the curbs, which include asset freezes and U.K. travel bans.
The Foreign Office said the sanctioned Iranian officials are members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — a branch of the Iranian military which broadcaster ITV linked to a plot to kill two journalists on British soil in a recent investigation.
But the sanctions fall short of a full proscription of the IRGC, a step called for by some British lawmakers who want it designated as a terrorist group.
“The Iranian regime and the criminal gangs who operate on its behalf pose an unacceptable threat to the U.K.’s security,” Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement.
He added: “The U.K. and U.S. have sent a clear message – we will not tolerate this threat.”
The curbs come amid heightened tensions between U.S. allies and Iran, although are not being directly linked by the U.K. government to the latest flare-up.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday urged Iran to “de-escalate” after three U.S. troops were killed in a drone strike on an American base in Jordan. The U.S. and U.K. have blamed Iran-backed militants for the attack, although Tehran has denied playing a role.
