Iran set to downgrade UK ties

In line with a recently-proposed bid by the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), the Tehran government moves to reduce diplomatic relations with London.

Rapporteur of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Kazem Jalali said Saturday that “certain measures are being taken to ensure that the Parliamentary motion will be implemented as soon as possible.”

“The Iranian Foreign Ministry, the Supreme National Security Council and the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission are making necessary preparations to lower the level of relations with the UK,” Jalali noted.

Earlier in February, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran was left with no choice but to limit its relations with Britain over its unwelcome intrusion into events surrounding the June 12 presidential election.

Citing the interference of some British officials in Iran’s internal affairs, Ahmadinejad said that Iranians are unwilling and have no incentive to promote ties with the United Kingdom, particularly after what they witnessed from Downing Street officials in recent months.

After the June 12 presidential election, British officials made a series of interfering comments regarding the country’s internal affairs that drew sharp criticism from the Tehran government.

This has prompted the Iranian Parliament to introduce a resolution to reconsider ties with Britain. The bill has received widespread support both in the government and across the country.