Iran Summons UK Diplomat Over London’s Sanctions

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the British charge d’affaires in response to the UK’s recent imposition of sanctions on three Iranian individuals and one entity.

The summons was conducted by Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, the ministry’s director for Western European affairs, following the UK’s announcement on Monday. The sanctions target Hamid Fazeli, Behnam Shahriari, Abdolfatah Ahvazian, and Unit 700 of the Quds Force, part of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The UK government accuses these individuals and the entity of involvement in activities intended to destabilize Israel, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and the UK.

During the meeting, Ahmadabadi condemned the sanctions, arguing they contradict the British government’s stated policies of engagement and cooperation. He also criticized the UK’s support for Israeli actions against Palestinians and its backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting these actions contribute to regional instability.

The UK charge d’affaires indicated that Iran’s concerns would be communicated to the British government.