Iran summoned the British ambassador over unfounded allegations of interference in UK matters, condemning these claims as biased. Diplomatic tensions are exacerbated by recent UK security measures aimed at Iran, with Iranian officials criticizing Britain’s historical actions and demanding a shift towards more responsible diplomacy.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the British ambassador to Tehran due to repeated and unfounded allegations from British officials regarding Iranian interference in the UK’s domestic matters. Ambassador Hugo Shorter met with Alireza Yousefi, the Assistant to the Foreign Minister, who formally objected to these claims, labeling them as biased and unsubstantiated.
During the meeting, Yousefi condemned the accusations, asserting their contradiction to international law and diplomatic norms. He noted that such rhetoric exacerbates Iranian distrust towards British actions, both concerning Iran and the broader West Asian region, urging the UK to adopt a more constructive diplomatic approach.
Responding to the situation, Shorter expressed his intention to convey Iran’s concerns back to the UK. This diplomatic engagement follows the UK’s announcement of heightened security measures aimed at scrutinizing Tehran for alleged hostile activities within the UK.
Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, fiercely criticized the UK’s allegations as hypocritical. He asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that it is absurd for the UK to accuse Iran of illegal interference, referencing their historical actions and current diplomatic approach.
Baqaei also criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, connecting it to Britain’s involvement in the 1953 coup against Iran’s democratically elected government under Mohammad Mosaddegh. He warned that Iran would not tolerate baseless accusations without repercussions, emphasizing that the current situation does not reflect the past century’s dynamics.
The dispute follows UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis’s announcement of a new foreign influence registration scheme targeting Iran’s government and military structures. Tehran, however, argues that these claims stem from a politically motivated agenda reflecting Britain’s historical meddling in Iranian affairs.
The tensions between Iran and Britain are historically rooted, with many Iranians holding the UK responsible for the devastating Great Famine and Genocide that occurred between 1917 and 1919, during which millions suffered due to starvation and disease while under British occupation amid World War I.
The diplomatic rift between Iran and the UK intensifies as Iran condemns what it perceives as baseless accusations regarding interference in British affairs. The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s summoning of the British ambassador underscores the growing tensions, rooted in historical grievances. Iranian officials demand a reevaluation of British diplomatic conduct to promote a more balanced approach in international relations.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
