The United Kingdom is advocating for significant change within Iran, expressing strong support for the ongoing protests, according to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Speaking before Parliament on Tuesday, Cooper emphasized the urgent need to end all forms of violence against Iranian demonstrators, affirming that the future of Iran rests with its people.
Cooper stated that the UK is actively coordinating with the international community to ensure the safety and protection of protesters from oppressive measures. She further elaborated that Britain is calling for a fundamental shift in Iran, demanding an end to the abuses targeting peaceful protesters, particularly women.
Regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Foreign Secretary explained that existing legislation designed to counter traditional terrorist organizations is insufficient to address state-sponsored terrorism. She highlighted the necessity for comprehensive legal reform to tackle what she described as hybrid threats, including state-backed activities on British soil. The government has commissioned a specialized legal review to address this challenge.
Cooper also announced that London is working with allies in the United States, Europe, and the G7 to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran. This includes the reimposition of previous sanctions and the implementation of additional measures. She urged the international community to adopt a unified stance in condemning the events in Iran, asserting that the world is watching and the international community must act in concert through the United Nations and all available forums.
The Foreign Secretary revealed that the UK has summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey its strong condemnation of the killing of protesters. She also affirmed that the British government is taking seriously threats against Iranian media outlets broadcasting from outside Iran, as well as concerns regarding the targeting of Iranian dissidents residing in the United Kingdom. Cooper noted that internet disruptions within Iran are hindering the accurate flow of information about the situation on the ground.
