British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labor government is under fire for not quickly banning Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This criticism follows accusations against a London-based Islamic Center for selling goods that purportedly support terrorism.
According to Potkin Azalmeer, a British-Iranian expert focused on Iranian influence in the UK, the center essentially acts as an extension of the regime. He points out that its director is directly appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader, indicating that the center is used to promote Iranian political Islam and recruit British nationals for training in Iran.
The Daily Telegraph noted that British authorities are looking into the Islamic Center for supposedly selling items like phone cases supporting Hezbollah and keychains favoring the Iranian regime, despite the UK’s sanctions against Hezbollah.
Reportedly, during a bazaar on December 14, 2025, pro-Hezbollah merchandise, including engraved keychains referencing Iranian leaders, was sold. This incident occurred just a few weeks before Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, ordered violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran.
Azalmeer claims the bazaar included stickers of Qasem Soleimani, a prominent figure in the Revolutionary Guards, who was implicated in the deaths of numerous military personnel. His assassination by a U.S. drone strike in January 2020 drew significant attention.
Emma Schubert from the Henry Jackson Society emphasized that the British Islamic Center is part of a broader network linked to the Iranian state actively operating in the UK, with the Revolutionary Guards at its core.
Schubert criticized the UK government for its slow response in officially designating the IRGC, suggesting that this delay allows Iranian networks to function under the guise of civil society and religious activity. She labeled this a serious threat to national security.
The Islamic Center of England is recognized as a charity. In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the UK Charity Commission mentioned an ongoing legal investigation and noted that they have raised concerns with the center’s Trustees regarding third-party items sold at events in London, stating they take links between charities and extremism very seriously.
Despite ongoing investigations—lasting five years with little progress—Azalmeer criticized the Charity Commission for not taking more decisive action against the Islamic Center, which continues its operations as usual. He remarked that complaints are met with vague responses citing the investigation’s status.
Mr. Kearns, currently the shadow home secretary for the opposition Conservative Party, has advocated for the closure of Islamic centers like this one. She argues that the sale of merchandise supporting terrorism further underlines the need to shut down such organizations and hold those responsible accountable.
In light of increasing scrutiny, spokespersons at the Islamic Center mentioned they were reflecting on the events from the bazaar and would provide further commentary once able.
Recently, the European Union categorized the IRGC as a terrorist organization, following similar designations by the United States, Canada, and Australia due to its involvement in the violent suppression of protests in Iran.
Observations of rising pro-Iranian sentiment persisted. Nigel Farage from Britain’s Reform Party expressed concern on social media about the public’s growing support for Iran’s oppressive regime, highlighting a troubling trend in the nation.
Inquiries directed to the British Prime Minister’s Office regarding these issues went unanswered.
