Iran summons British charge d'affaires

British Embassy in Tehran

Iranian foreign ministry summoned British charge d’affaires in Tehran to protest about the recent remarks of the British ambassador about Iran’s nuclear program.

In the absence of the British ambassador, Iran foreign ministry informed British charge d’affaires, Patrick Davis about Iran’s objection to the British ambassador’s statements on Persian BBC Television.

The ministry claimed that the statements of Mr. Gass were “false and incoherent” and London must explain these statements right away.

Simon Gass told BBC that the international community must consider harsher measures in response to Iran’s refusal to comply with its demands. He added that Iran must also realize the benefits and privileges it can enjoy if it does cooperate with the global community.

In the past year, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad supporters have repeatedly called on the government to reduce its diplomatic relation with Britain and Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, referred to Britain as "the most evil" enemy of Iran.

In the post-election protests that erupted following the alleged fraud that gave Ahmadinejad another term at the presidency in 2009, Iran-Britain relations became very tense when Iran accused the British government of fomenting the protests.

While Britain denied any involvement in the protests, Iran arrested a number of Iranian employees of the British embassy who were eventually released on bail.