The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on twelve individuals and entities accused of acting as 'criminal proxies' for Iran in hostile activities targeting Britain and other countries. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes against nine people, two exchange houses, and the Zindashti network, which authorities allege is linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security and involved in assassination and kidnapping operations.

Among those sanctioned are members of the Zarringhalam family, accused of financing destabilizing activities through a shadow banking network that allegedly laundered billions of dollars via front companies. The United Kingdom also targeted exchange houses and individuals previously sanctioned by the United States and the European Union for similar activities.

The sanctions follow a series of recent attacks against Jewish targets in London, including arson incidents and stabbings, which police are investigating for possible links to Iran. The government has raised the national terrorism threat level to severe and announced the formation of a special police unit dedicated to protecting Jewish communities, warning that hostile state-backed activity will not be tolerated.