A new report has warned that Iran may have built a network of influence inside the United Kingdom through charities, community organisations and cultural institutions, raising concerns about how foreign states can project soft power within democratic societies.

The report, titled "Undue Influence," was prepared by Lord Walney, a former government adviser on extremism.

It alleges that more than thirty organisations operating in Britain — including religious centres, community groups and charities — have connections to individuals or structures associated with the Iranian state.

According to the findings, these institutions may have served as platforms through which Tehran could advance its interests, promote ideological narratives and maintain influence among diaspora communities in Britain.

The report argues that such activity forms part of a broader strategy of soft power aimed at shaping political and cultural debates beyond Iran’s borders.

Investigators highlighted a number of organisations as part of the alleged network.

Among them is the Islamic Centre of England, described in the report as a key hub within the wider structure.

Several other charities and institutions have also come under scrutiny from regulators in recent years.

Some of the organisations identified have rejected the allegations and insist they operate independently and in accordance with British law.

The report further claims that hesitation among authorities to intervene more forcefully may have contributed to the persistence of the network.

According to testimony cited in the document, officials and community leaders have sometimes been reluctant to raise concerns about suspected links to foreign influence for fear of triggering accusations of discrimination or religious bias.

Former regulators and analysts interviewed for the report said such concerns may have slowed investigations or limited the scope of regulatory action.

At the same time, the United Kingdom’s Charity Commission has acknowledged that its powers to intervene are constrained by existing legal frameworks and that enforcement action must rely on evidence of breaches of charity law.

The findings arrive amid heightened attention to foreign influence operations in Britain.

Security analysts have previously warned that several states, including Iran, have sought to cultivate influence through cultural institutions, media platforms and community networks.

Lord Walney’s report recommends strengthening the powers of the Charity Commission, expanding information sharing between regulators and security agencies, and introducing additional safeguards to ensure charities cannot be misused for political influence or extremist activity.

British authorities have said they take allegations of extremism and foreign interference seriously and will investigate concerns in line with the law, while emphasising that legitimate charitable and religious activity must continue to be protected within the country’s legal framework.