UK Summons Iranian Ambassador Over Embassy’s Social Media Comments
British Government Responds to Iranian Embassy's Actions
Background of the Summoning
LONDON, April 28 (Reuters) - Britain said on Tuesday the Iranian ambassador to London had been summoned over what the government described as the Iranian embassy's "unacceptable and inflammatory" comments on social media.
Official Government Statement
Minister's Warning to the Embassy
Britain's minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, made clear that the embassy "must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the UK or internationally", the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Iranian Response
Iranian officials in Tehran could not be immediately reached for comment on Britain's move.
Details of the Social Media Comments
Telegram Channel Statement
A statement posted by the Iranian embassy on its Telegram channel earlier this month called on Iranians in Britain to volunteer for a campaign to declare their willingness to sacrifice their lives in a war in defence of their country.
Unspecified Comments and Security Concerns
The British government did not specify which of the embassy's social media comments it was referring to. British lawmakers have warned of significant and wide-ranging threats posed by Iran to Britain.
Previous Incidents
Earlier Summoning of the Ambassador
The government also summoned the Iranian ambassador last month after an Iranian national and a British-Iranian dual national were charged on suspicion of helping Iran's intelligence services.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by William James; writing by Muvija MEditing by Gareth Jones)
