Iran: UK must apologize or pay the price

A senior Iranian lawmaker says the country is steadfast in its resolve to cut relations with the UK in the event that London fails to express regret and apologize to Tehran for meddling in Iran’s affairs.

Hossein Sobhani-Nia, the deputy head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Iran’s Parliament (Majlis) said on Thursday that Tehran would sever relations with London “in the absence of the British government’s complete repentance and apology for interference in Iran’s domestic affairs,” IRNA reported.

“What benefits have accrued to us from our relations with Britain that could justify maintaining these ties?” he asked rhetorically.

Iran has considered breaking off relations with Britain several times due to London’s meddlesome and undiplomatic approach toward Tehran.

Most notable among the invasive moves has been remarks by the chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), John Sawers, who accused Iran in October of pursuing clandestine nuclear activities. He further advised espionage as a crucial measure to stop Tehran’s nuclear program.

The National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has drafted a bill to sever all diplomatic ties with Britain.

“In all likelihood, within the next two weeks, the bill would be announced to the [Parliament’s] presiding board and put to vote,” Sobhani-Nia concluded.