This enhanced classification aims to protect the UK's political system from covert foreign influence, particularly as the Iranian state has been implicated in targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals in the UK, as well as critical Persian-language media.

Under the FIRS, individuals acting on behalf of the Iranian state must register their activities, with non-compliance resulting in a potential five-year prison sentence.

Originally slated for a 2024 launch, the FIRS is now expected to become operational by summer 2025 due to delays confirmed by the new Labour Government.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis has announced that Iran and its intelligence services are now classified under the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), marking Iran as the first foreign power to receive this designation.

To bolster security measures, all 45 UK police forces will receive training on recognizing and responding to state threat activities, enhancing their capabilities in counter-terrorism.

The UK government is also considering additional sanctions against individuals linked to Iran and aims to combat money laundering activities associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which, despite being sanctioned, is not classified as a terrorist organization in the UK.

Furthermore, the National Cyber Security Centre has reported malicious cyber activities attributed to Iranian state-affiliated actors, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the threat.

There have been calls for China to be included in the enhanced tier of the FIRS, with Jarvis indicating that further announcements regarding the scheme will be forthcoming.

In response to these evolving threats, Jonathan Hall KC has been tasked with reviewing the UK's counter-terrorism laws to better address modern state threats, including those posed by Iran.

Registration under the scheme will resemble the process of applying for a passport, with a three-month notice period before enforcement begins.

The National Security Act 2023 has empowered police with new authority to arrest individuals aiding foreign intelligence services, with penalties reaching up to 14 years in prison.

Since early 2022, MI5 has disrupted 20 Iran-backed plots targeting British citizens, underscoring the ongoing security threat posed by Iran.