Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper used a 13 January Commons statement to condemn reports of mass killings during Iran’s ongoing crackdown and confirmed the UK will escalate sanctions and security measures in response. She said the Iranian ambassador had been summoned and that further sectoral measures would be brought to Parliament. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secretary-statement-on-iran-13-january-2026))
According to the Foreign Secretary, protests began on 28 December after the currency plunged and have been met by what she described as the most severe repression in more than a decade. A nationwide communications blackout from 8 January has obscured the full picture, although independent reporting indicates widespread disruption and some circumvention via satellite internet tools. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secretary-statement-on-iran-13-january-2026))
On domestic security, Cooper noted three Iranian nationals were charged in May 2025 under the National Security Act 2023 for activity linked to Iran’s intelligence services, and highlighted the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), under which Iran is specified on the enhanced tier. That tier imposes tight registration deadlines and disclosure for activity directed by the Iranian state. ([cps.gov.uk](https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/three-men-charged-national-security-act-offences?utm_source=openai))
The UK has also sanctioned the Swedish‑based Foxtrot criminal network and its leader, Rawa Majid, citing their role in violence against Jewish and Israeli targets on behalf of Iran. Ministers and MI5 say the UK has tracked more than 20 potentially lethal Iran‑linked plots since 2022, framing these steps as part of a broader disruption effort. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-iranian-organised-crime-network?utm_source=openai))
Consular issues remain active. The FCDO has raised with Tehran the case of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple charged with espionage while travelling in Iran, and the Minister for the Middle East has met family members. The Foreign Secretary said British nationals’ welfare remains a priority amid the deteriorating security environment. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secretary-statement-on-iran-13-january-2026))
Internationally, the UK, France and Germany (the E3) activated the UN “snapback” in late September 2025, restoring six previously terminated Security Council resolutions-1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835 and 1929-after Iran’s continued non‑performance of nuclear commitments. G7 foreign ministers endorsed the move, urging all UN members to fully implement the measures. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e3-joint-statement-on-iran-activation-of-the-snapback?utm_source=openai))
The FCDO re‑applied the UN measures domestically from 1 October 2025 and separately designated 71 Iran‑linked individuals and entities on 30 September, adding to existing autonomous restrictions. The reimposed package includes the UN arms embargo, controls on nuclear‑ and missile‑related items, and 121 UN designations alongside UK listings. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-reimposes-un-sanctions-on-iran?utm_source=openai))
Sanctions enforcement has intensified. On 7 January 2026 the UK provided basing, surveillance and maritime support to a U.S. operation that seized the vessel Bella 1, described by ministers as involved in shadow‑fleet activity and Iran‑related sanctions breaches. This was presented by the Ministry of Defence as compliance with international law and part of wider North Atlantic security. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-provides-support-to-us-seizure-of-bella-1-accused-of-shadow-fleet-activities-and-iran-sanctions-breaches?utm_source=openai))
Cooper told MPs the Government will now bring forward “full and further” sanctions, targeting finance, energy, transport, software and other sectors linked to nuclear escalation. The UK will coordinate with EU partners on additional steps. Any new measures will be implemented through statutory instruments and reflected on the UK Sanctions List once in force. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secretary-statement-on-iran-13-january-2026))
For UK businesses, the snapback framework and UK Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023 mean heightened screening of trade, finance, shipping, software and technical services with any potential Iran nexus. Operators should assume strict controls on arms and dual‑use items, anticipate enhanced due diligence demands from banks and insurers, and monitor OFSI/OTSI guidance for licensing and enforcement updates. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-reimposes-un-sanctions-on-iran?utm_source=openai))
Legal and diplomatic contestation will continue. Iran rejects the E3’s use of snapback as “null and void”, while EU and G7 statements maintain that the reimposition is valid under Resolution 2231. Compliance expectations for UK entities are set by the UK’s own regulations regardless of Iran’s objections. ([tasnimnews.com](https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2025/09/28/3409995/iran-rejects-snapback-sanctions-as-null-and-void?utm_source=openai))
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Iran, noting the high risk of arrest and very limited ability to provide in‑country consular help. Organisations with staff in‑country should review duty‑of‑care policies and evacuation planning in light of the current restrictions and unrest. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran/warnings-and-insurance?utm_source=openai))
Policy Wire analysis: The immediate tests are legislative timing for any new sectoral measures, alignment with EU actions, and operational enforcement by OFSI and the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation. Watch for secondary legislation, updated designations and licensing notices over the coming weeks, alongside any UN or IAEA developments on access and safeguards. ([questions-statements.parliament.uk](https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-10-10/79969/?utm_source=openai))