Britain expels Iranian diplomats

Tuesday, 23 June 2009 4:36 PM

By Ian Dunt

Britain has expelled two Iranian diplomats from the country in a clear sign of ever-worsening relations with the Middle Eastern country.

The news came as the prime minister gave a statement to the Commons on last week's meeting of European leaders.

Gordon Brown revealed to the House that two British diplomats had been expelled by the regime yesterday, and that this morning the decision was taken to conduct tit-for-tat expulsions.

"It's with regret I inform the House Iran took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats," Mr Brown announced.

"In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador earlier today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London," he continued.

"I am dissappointed that Iran has placed us in this position."

The Iranian expulsions were due to allegations which were "absolutely without foundation", the prime minister added.

David Cameron said he agreed with the British government's decision.

But the Tory leader pressed the importance of making clear that "this isn't a dispute between Britain and Iran" but between Britain and "different groups in Iran".

Mr Brown replied: "We do want good relations with the Iranian people and we do want to remind them about respecting human rights and respecting democracy."

The political situation in Iran has worsened since suspicious elections earlier this month resulted in prolonged street protests.

Iranian authorities have blamed foreign powers for the trouble, but concentrated their ire on the UK.

Most analysts think the UK-focused comments are intended to avoid alienating US president Barack Obama's overtures to the Shia state.

Tags:
• foreign policy
,
• iran
,
• middle east