Iran has hit out against a "malicious" campaign by British parliamentarians to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC).
Iran's Embassy in the UK told Middle East Eye that the call to proscribe the IRGC was being pushed by "a few specific individuals and groups who are aiming to diminish and destroy the Iran-UK relationship".
"We believe that the push to designate the IRGC is influenced by external actors, notably the Israeli regime, which has a history of antagonism towards Iran," said the embassy in a statement.
"This attempt serves to escalate tensions and provoke confrontation rather than promote peace and stability in the region."
The embassy said the IRGC had been crucial in countering "terrorist threats and extremist groups" in the Middle East, including the ISIL.
"Accusations of terrorism against the IRGC are lack of substantiation and are driven by political agendas, serving only to benefit certain interests," it said.
MP/PR