ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The UK on Monday announced sanctions against 12 Iran-linked entities on suspicions of being involved in “hostile” activities by the Iranian government.

The sanctions included asset freezes, travel bans, as well as director disqualification, which disqualifies the sanctioned entities from forming, managing, or directing any British company.

The entities have been linked to “hostile activity” by the Iranian government, as well as attempts to cause “destabilisation of the United Kingdom or any other country,” read a statement by the UK foreign office. Tehran has previously denied such claims.

“Today’s sanctions also target criminal proxies who act on behalf of the Iranian state to threaten the US and Europe by preventing criminal gangs from travelling to the UK or accessing assets which finance their illegal activity,” the office clarified.

“This package of sanctions directly targets organisations and individuals who threaten security on UK streets and stability in the Middle East,” Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, calling for a “negotiated settlement and a long-term diplomatic solution” in the Middle East.

“Criminal proxies backed by parts of the Iranian regime who threaten security in the UK and Europe will not be tolerated, nor will illicit finance networks. We are coordinating these actions across Europe,” Cooper added.

The sanctions cover nine individuals as well as three entities, namely Berelian Exchange, GCM Exchange, and the Zindashti Network.