UK sanctions IRGC counterespionage official and alleged Zindashti network facilitator over espionage and overseas plots, imposing asset freezes and travel bans

The UK has sanctioned two Iranian nationals over alleged roles in hostile activities abroad, including espionage and plots against people or assets in Britain and other countries. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office named them as Ruhollah Bazghandi, head of counterespionage operations within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, described as a facilitator of the Zindashti criminal network.

The UK government said it identified at least 15 credible Iran-backed threats to kill or kidnap people in Britain between 2022 and 2023; it said the number had risen to more than 20 in 2025.