Key Takeaways
- British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband warned Iran against intimidation and hostile activity on UK soil.
- The UK banned support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a linked group following antisemitic attacks.
- Iran denied using proxies and called for a correction to European governments' approaches towards Iran.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband met with his Iranian counterpart, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, Miliband warned Iran against any form of intimidation, threats, or hostile activity on UK soil, particularly from groups linked to Iran.
The UK has taken decisive action against Iran’s proxies, banning support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a linked group following a series of antisemitic attacks. These measures were taken using new legal powers designed to prevent the use of state-sponsored proxies.
In a statement, the Foreign Office highlighted the UK’s unwavering resolve to combat threats from Iranian-linked groups, including attacks on the British Jewish community. This warning comes in the wake of recent cyber-attacks attributed to Iranian state-linked actors, who have used spyware to steal sensitive information through spear-phishing campaigns.
Iran, however, has denied using proxies and has responded by calling for a correction to the 'destructive and irresponsible approaches of some European governments towards Iran and regional developments.'
Araqchi’s statement on his Telegram account emphasized the need for a correction to European governments' approaches towards Iran and regional developments, and stated that 'an insistence on interfering in countries' internal affairs and the instrumental use of human rights concepts is in no way acceptable.'
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has reported that Iranian state-linked cyber actors have used a spyware family known as 'CHOSEN BRICK' to steal emails, messages, and other sensitive information through spear-phishing campaigns on messaging platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram.
The meeting between Miliband and Araqchi also touched on the ongoing war in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade.
Both parties expressed their commitment to addressing regional security concerns, but the tone of the meeting was marked by a clear warning from the UK against any hostile activities on its soil.
