In co-ordination with the United States, the UK has announced the first set of designations under this new regime, targeting Iran’s support for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The first set of UK designations includes Esmail Qaani, who heads Iran’s notorious IRGC Quds Force, which leads Iran’s operations outside the country and provides support to regional partners and proxy groups.
A further 7 individuals and one entity, all with links to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are designated today.
Those being sanctioned by the UK today were targeted for their involvement in hostile activity by an armed group, backed by the Government of Iran, consisting of activity being threatening, planning or conducting intent to cause the destabilisation of Israel.
It continues to threaten people on UK soil and uses its influence to destabilise the Middle East through its support to armed groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron
The individuals that are subject to UK travel bans and asset freezes include:
Esmail Qaani: The Head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF)
Mohammed Saeed Izadi: The Head of IRGC-QF Palestine Branch; and Head, Abu Jihad Foreign Operations Unit
Ali Marshad Shirazi: A member of IRGC-QF Palestine Branch
Majid Zaree: A member of IRGC-QF Palestine Branch
Mostafa Majid Khani: A member of IRGC-QF Palestine Branch
Khaled Qaddoumi: A Hamas Representative to Iran
Nasser Abu Sharif: A Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Representative to Iran
The following entity is also being sanctioned by the UK and is subject to asset freezes:
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF) Palestine Branch
