Britain Closes Iranian Embassy: Iran Warns of Repercussions

by Ben Steinmeier | November 30, 2011 at 12:31 pm

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Britain's closing of Iran embassy furthers conflict

Iran has warned the U.K. of serious repercussions following the closure of the Iran Embassy in London. Iran is criticizing the U.K for their "hasty" actions; Britain has already announced its shutting down of their embassy in Tehran.

Britain warns of "dire consequences" to embassy attack

Following the attack on the British Embassy in Tehran on Tuesday, Britain held Iran responsible for their failure to protect their property and staff. After condemning Iran for the riot storming their embassy, Britain announced the closing of their embassy in Tehran and their order for the Iran embassy in London to be closed as well. Iranian ambassadors and staff had until Friday to leave the country.

Britain had already been strained in their relations with Iran due to Iran's controversial nuclear program, which further worsened when Britain cut their financial ties to Iran for this reason. Despite these strained relations, Britain is still condemning Iran for their lack of responsibility for their embassy's safety, both the compound and the staff.

Hague, speaking to parliament, said relations with Iran were strained over its nuclear program, but that “no difficulty in relations can ever excuse in any way or under any circumstances the failure to protect diplomatic staff and diplomatic premises.”

Iran criticizes Britain embassy closure

Iran has heavily criticized Britain's decision, calling their exiling of Iran's ambassadors "a passive and hasty action". Before the riot attack on the embassy Tuesday, Iran had responded to Britain's financial withdrawal by further cutting ties with Britain.

Iran defends itself by saying that none of the British officials were hurt and that the judiciary was dealing with the violators. In response, the British government is blaming them for actions they did not condone or initiate.

“What happened at the British embassy in Tehran was unpredictable. It occurred due to the anger of some demonstrators over Britain’s policies regarding the Islamic republic,” Mehmanparast said.

Iran is also asking other nations not to follow the example of Britain or of the United States, who closed their embassy in Iran in 1977 following a hostage situation. Despite the Iranian government's regret over these events, the public opinion in Iran does show favor to this line of action in having the British diplomats out of the country.

Iranians Storm British Embassy: Britain Warns Dire Consequences