UK Summons Senior Iranian Diplomat Over Alleged Proxy Attacks in Europe

Britain has summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in London, escalating a dispute over Tehran's alleged use of proxy networks to carry out attacks on European soil in recent months.

Charge d'Affaires Ali Nasimfar was called in to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Tuesday, with officials accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force of directing a proxy group to stage a string of attacks across the continent between March and May.

The Foreign Office named the group involved as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, and did not mince its words in condemning the alleged campaign. In a statement, officials said Iran's intelligence services had continued their hostile activity despite repeated warnings, and had instead moved to step up what the department called "malign behaviour" — branding the conduct "completely unacceptable."

The Iranian embassy in London did not respond immediately, with the summons taking place outside normal office hours. Iran, already locked in confrontation with both the United States and Israel, has consistently rejected claims that it relies on proxy networks to pursue its aims abroad.

The move follows a decision on Monday to formally designate the IRGC, along with an affiliated group, as a security threat under sweeping new powers designed to stop hostile states from using intermediaries for surveillance, sabotage and other covert activity on British soil.

Tehran responded angrily on Tuesday, rejecting the designation and insisting the IRGC is a formal branch of Iran's armed forces. Iranian officials went further, accusing London of breaching international law by targeting what they described as a legitimate state institution rather than an outside actor.

The Quds Force operates as the overseas arm of the IRGC and has long been at the centre of Western concern over Iran's regional and international activities. Washington has already designated the IRGC in its entirety as a terrorist organisation, a step Britain has so far stopped short of matching, opting instead for the narrower security designation announced this week.

The latest escalation adds to an already tense backdrop between London and Tehran, with British officials signalling that further measures could follow if Iran does not change course. For now, ministers are framing Tuesday's summons as a clear warning rather than the final word, leaving open the question of what comes next in a relationship that shows few signs of easing.