(SeaPRwire) –

By: Julian Holbrooke

In the complex web of international relations, few issues are as fraught with tension as the activities of the Islamic Center of England. This institution, which has long operated under the guise of a charity and mosque, has recently come under intense scrutiny for its alleged role as an extension of the Iranian regime’s influence in the United Kingdom.

Kasra Aarabi, a director at United Against Nuclear Iran, has been at the forefront of the calls for the center’s closure. Aarabi argues that the Islamic Center of England has been functioning as an office of Iran’s supreme leader in the UK, and that its continued existence poses a significant threat to British national security. This claim is not without merit, especially in light of recent revelations about the center’s activities.

According to reports, the U.K. government has allowed the Islamic Center of England to sponsor visas for imams, raising serious questions about the vetting process and the potential for radicalization. This comes at a time when Iran has warned that Britain could be a legitimate target if it allows the U.S. to use its bases for missions against Tehran. The situation is further complicated by allegations that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been exploiting the illegal migrant crisis to smuggle operatives into the UK.

The Islamic Center of England has also been accused of selling merchandise supporting the U.S.-designated terrorist movement, Hezbollah, and the IRGC, which is also classified as a terrorist entity by the U.S. The center allegedly had stickers of the late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps global terrorist Qassem Soleimani, who was responsible for the murders of over 600 U.S. military personnel. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of an institution that may be actively promoting extremism and supporting terrorist activities.

A spokesperson for the Islamic Center of England has denied these allegations, stating that the center is an independent registered charity governed by English law and regulated by the Charity Commission. However, given the weight of the evidence against it, these denials seem increasingly hollow.

The British government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from potential threats, and the Islamic Center of England appears to present a clear and present danger. The Home Office has stated that it takes the threat posed by the Iranian regime and its affiliates seriously, and has fast-tracked a change in the law to outlaw support for the IRGC. This is a necessary step, but it may not be enough to address the root of the problem.

The government should also consider shutting down the Islamic Center of England and deporting its non-British staff. This would send a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated on British soil. Additionally, it is essential that the vetting process for visas and other forms of immigration be tightened to prevent the entry of individuals with extremist or terrorist ties.

The situation with the Islamic Center of England is a prime example of the challenges faced by Western countries in dealing with the threat of Islamic extremism. It highlights the need for increased vigilance, stronger laws, and a more proactive approach to countering the influence of terrorist organizations. By taking decisive action, the British government can help to protect its citizens and maintain the security and stability of the country.

Author bio: Julian Holbrooke, an overseas international relations analyst who frequently contributes to major European daily newspapers.