Ex-Chancellor Urges UK to Designate Iran’s IRGC as Terrorist Group

Zahawi Calls for Immediate IRGC Blacklisting Amid Regional Tensions

Nadhim Zahawi, former Conservative Chancellor and now a member of Reform UK, has issued a strong call for the United Kingdom to immediately proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Speaking on Monday, Zahawi argued that such a move is long overdue, especially as Europe has already taken this step. He emphasized that the IRGC is actively and indiscriminately attacking allies of the UK in the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

Zahawi’s stance comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Iran’s nuclear program and its alleged aggression towards neighboring states forming the core of the debate. He pointed to Iran’s boasts of possessing 460 kg of 60% enriched uranium, a quantity he states could be refined to 90% within days, sufficient for 11 nuclear warheads. This, he asserts, is the fundamental reason for the current conflict involving the US and Israel.

“I would on Monday prescribe the IRGC because Europe has prescribed the IRC. They’re a terrorist organization. They are indiscriminately attacking our allies in the region like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman,” Zahawi stated, highlighting the perceived inaction of the current UK government.

Criticism of UK’s Stance and Call for Greater Support for US

The former Chancellor also criticized the UK’s current approach, suggesting it has led to the nation becoming an “irrelevance” in the region despite deep historical ties. He believes the government, particularly under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is hindered by internal party politics, specifically from the left flank and concerns over the Islamist vote.

“It just feels like Karma’s internal challenges and fears from his own party, from that left flank, from Islamist vote, not the patriotic decent Muslim families,” Zahawi remarked, suggesting political calculations are overriding national security imperatives.

Furthermore, Zahawi advocated for the UK to provide maximum support to its “greatest ally, the United States of America.” This includes making British bases available for offensive operations and offering all available resources. He expressed disappointment that the UK has not yet made its bases in Fairford, Akrotiri, or Diego Garcia available for operations, contrasting this with the swift actions of allies like France, which deployed its naval squadron to the UAE within hours.

“I would also go further and make sure that albeit President Trump is clearly disappointed we make everything available to our greatest ally the United States of America.”

Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions and Regional Aggression

Zahawi’s remarks echo concerns raised by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has criticized the UK’s response to the escalating situation as “mind-boggling” and “shocking.” Herzog, like former US President Donald Trump and Tony Blair, has questioned the UK’s initial reluctance to fully back the United States.

The former Chancellor detailed the alleged aggression by Iran, noting that the UAE has endured four times the number of attacks from drones and ballistic missiles compared to Israel, despite the UAE not being directly involved in the conflict and having actively sought a negotiated settlement. He also cited a recent attack on a Bahraini desalination plant as a “serious escalation.”

“Imagine what they have done with that today. They’ve just attacked the Bahraini desalination plant. This is a serious escalation of the attacks on countries that have no truck with Iran,” Zahawi said.

Apology for Past Defence Shortfalls

During the interview, Zahawi offered an apology to listeners for mistakes made by the previous Conservative government regarding defense spending. While acknowledging that Boris Johnson’s administration did increase the defense budget in real terms by £24 billion, he felt it was “spent on all the wrong things.” This admission comes amidst broader discussions about the UK’s defense capabilities and the apparent strain on resources, with a reported £28 billion hole in the defense budget.

“I don’t disagree with you and I apologize to your listeners for that for the mistakes we made in the last Conservative government,” he stated.

Reflections on Iran and Support for the Iranian People

Drawing on his personal heritage as someone born in Iraq whose father fled Saddam Hussein’s regime, Zahawi shared his reflections on the situation in Iran. He stressed that the current conflict is not with the Iranian people but with the ruling terrorist regime that has oppressed its own citizens.

“My very strong view is that Iran and I think President Trump is absolutely right has to stay coherent as a nation,” Zahawi said. He added that the message must be clear: “This isn’t a fight with the Iranian people. This is a war against a terrorist regime that has been oppressing their own people.” He expressed support for the US’s determination to create an environment for the Iranian people to rise up, referencing the earlier protests where thousands were reportedly killed.

Zahawi also addressed concerns that a potential US-backed leadership change might not benefit the people. He believes the US is seeking a stable, reformed Iran, free from theocracy, where a new leadership would prioritize its citizens and neighbors. He concluded by reiterating the imperative of addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that the US and Israeli actions were not merely strategic but “imperative to make now.”

Looking Ahead: UK’s Role in Regional Security

The ongoing debate highlights the UK’s complex position in international security. Zahawi’s urgent call to proscribe the IRGC and bolster support for allies underscores a desire for a more assertive UK foreign policy. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, all eyes will be on whether the British government heeds these calls for decisive action and demonstrates a renewed commitment to regional stability and its international partnerships.

Source: UK Should Proscribe The IRGC Now And Offer Everything Available To The US | Nadhim Zahawi (YouTube)