WANA (Mar 05) – “Anyone in the UK who engages in activities that increase Iran’s political influence must report themselves to the British government. Otherwise, they will face up to five years in prison.”

 

If such a statement came from an authoritarian regime, it would be front-page news in Western media. Yet, this is the UK—a self-proclaimed champion of democracy and free speech—officially criminalizing Iran’s “political influence.”

 

On Tuesday, Dan Jarvis, the UK’s Minister for Security, accused Tehran of “interfering in the UK’s internal affairs,” “threatening national security,” and “supporting destabilizing activities.” He claimed that Iran seeks to influence London’s domestic and foreign policies through “proxy networks, cyberattacks, and intelligence operations.”

 

Jarvis went further, stating: “The UK government is committed to countering security threats from Iran.”

 

London will now classify all Iranian government institutions, including the IRGC and the Ministry of Intelligence, under the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. This means any contact between Iranian entities and individuals or groups in the UK will be subject to strict legal requirements. Failure to register such interactions will carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.

 

This law sends a clear message: If you are a journalist, political activist, academic, or even an ordinary Iranian citizen in the UK and engage in any activity perceived as benefiting Iran’s influence, you could be prosecuted. But who decides what constitutes political influence?

 

Would discussing UK-Iran relations with a British politician, writing an analytical article, or working with a charity linked to Iran be considered a crime? The danger lies in the fact that the UK government alone determines the definition of this offense—meaning the law can be interpreted as broadly as they see fit.

Political Influence—A Privilege Reserved for the West?

Let’s step into the real world: The UK, the US, and their allies have been actively influencing other nations for decades. They manipulate media narratives, support specific political parties and opposition groups, and even interfere in elections. Yet, their actions are never labeled as foreign interference.

 

Here are just a few examples:

Iran: From colonial-era interference to backing the 1953 coup and continuous efforts to shape Iran’s political landscape, the UK has long been a player in Iranian affairs. Many Iranians even believe that “behind every major event in Iran, the British are involved.” The phrase “It’s Britain’s doing” reflects this deep-rooted perception of UK meddling.

 

Russia: The Panama Papers leak and support for Kremlin opposition figures are just a fraction of Western influence operations in Russia.

 

China: From backing Hong Kong protesters to financing opposition groups in Taiwan, the UK and its allies have consistently sought to influence China’s internal affairs.

 

What would happen if Iran passed a law requiring anyone in the country working in favor of the UK to register or face imprisonment? Would London consider this a legitimate security measure or an attack on civil liberties?

Police stand guard outside the British embassy during a protest against British aggression on Iranian national security in front of the British embassy in Tehran, Iran October 27, 2022. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

A Double Standard in Foreign Influence

The UK has long been a safe haven for opposition groups and even organizations accused of supporting violence and terrorism against Iran. Groups like the MKO (Mujahedin-e-Khalq) and certain Persian-language media outlets, despite Tehran’s repeated objections, operate freely in the UK.

 

If Britain is truly concerned about foreign influence, why does it harbor hardline Iranian opposition figures who openly call for regime change?

 

The UK has also established itself as a hub for anti-Iranian media. Outlets such as Iran International (heavily backed by Israeli funding), BBC Persian, and Manoto freely promote anti-Iran narratives under the guise of free speech. Yet, if a media outlet in Britain dares to challenge London’s official stance on Iran, it faces immediate scrutiny.

 

Meanwhile, Iranian networks like Press TV, research institutions, and cultural organizations in the UK are continuously restricted and monitored.

 

This double standard exposes how Western democracies use the concept of free speech as a tool for political suppression. They don’t defend freedom of expression—they defend their own narrative.

 

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Implications for UK-Iran Relations

This move by London will undoubtedly escalate tensions between the UK and Iran. Some likely consequences include:

 

  • Diplomatic Restrictions: Iran may impose reciprocal measures, potentially restricting British diplomats in Tehran.

 

  • Crackdown on Iranian Residents in the UK: Many Iranians living in Britain could face new security-related accusations.

 

  • Media Censorship: The law could be used to suppress independent outlets that challenge the UK’s Iran policy.

 

  • End of Diplomatic Flexibility: Tehran may reconsider maintaining high-level diplomatic ties with the UK, complicating future negotiations.

 

This is not just a security policy—it’s a diplomatic and intelligence weapon aimed at isolating Iran further on the global stage.

 

Is Free Speech in International Politics Defined by Principles or by the Interests of the Powerful?

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