The British government has unveiled a significant package of new economic measures against the Iranian regime, described as "full and further sanctions," in response to its violent crackdown on domestic anti-government protests.
Sanctions Target Vital Economic Sectors
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the House of Commons that the latest measures would be aimed at finance, energy, transport, software, and other major industries. The legislation is designed to advance UK efforts to counter Iran's nuclear escalation. Cooper stated that the UK has already imposed restrictions on key figures within Iran's oil, energy, nuclear, and financial systems.
"Further measures will target finance, energy, transport, software and other significant industries which are advancing Iranian nuclear escalation," Cooper explained to MPs. She added that the government would collaborate with the European Union and other international allies to assess if additional actions are required.
Diplomatic Rebuke and Condemnation of 'Lies'
The announcement followed a diplomatic move where the Foreign Office summoned Iran's ambassador to the UK over reports of the regime's harsh response to the demonstrations. Cooper revealed she had spoken directly with the Iranian foreign minister on Monday to convey the UK's "total abhorrence of the killings, the violence, and the repression that we are seeing."
She forcefully rejected Tehran's narrative that the protests are driven by foreign interference. "Just as they did in 2022, it's absolutely clear the Iranian regime are trying to paint these protests as the result of foreign influence and instigation," Cooper said. She accused the regime of spreading "lies and propaganda," and vowed the UK would not allow its actions to be twisted to support such claims.
"The world is watching Iran, and the UK will continue to confront the regime's lies, to call out its repression and to take the steps necessary to protect the UK's interests," she declared.
International Context and Domestic Pressure
The UK's decision aligns with growing international condemnation. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, confirmed the EU would "swiftly" propose further sanctions against those responsible for repressing the demonstrations, which have reportedly led to hundreds of deaths and arrests.
The political pressure was not confined to the government benches. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel questioned the timing of the Iranian ambassador's summons, asking why it was not done sooner. Patel pressed the government on its resolve to stand with the Iranian people and asked what message of hope was being sent to those risking their lives on the streets.
The developments come amid a show of solidarity in London, where protesters filled Whitehall on Sunday, urging the British government to support the Iranian anti-government movement. Internationally, former US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to "keep protesting," while announcing new tariffs on nations trading with Iran—a move that angered China, Tehran's leading export partner.
Adding to the sense of a regime under pressure, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Tuesday that he believed the Iranian government was in its "final days and weeks," arguing that a regime reliant solely on force was effectively at its end.
