The British government officially announced on Monday the designation of Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, a long-awaited decision after years of domestic political debate, coinciding with escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

British Security Minister Angela Eagle said in a written statement to Parliament that the United Kingdom has identified activities linked to the Revolutionary Guard involving 'threats to life and intimidation on British soil.'

Under this designation, belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, supporting its activities, attending its meetings, or displaying its symbols in public in Britain is a criminal offense punishable by law.

The British ban also included the Iran-linked Islamic Movement of Righteous Friends (IMCR) due to its involvement in attacks targeting the Jewish community and its gathering places in London.

The British decision follows a similar move by the European Union in February to designate the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, and comes amid rapidly deteriorating security in the Arabian Gulf region.