Hugo Shorter, the British ambassador to Tehran, was summoned on Tuesday, October 13, by Alireza Yousefi, assistant foreign minister and director general for Western Europe at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, who conveyed the Islamic Republic’s strong objection to Britain’s irresponsible and destructive approach toward Iran.
Yousefi categorically rejected the British government’s baseless allegations, stressing that British officials cannot evade accountability and their international responsibilities by deflecting blame and making unfounded accusations against Iran.
He said Britain must answer for its participation in the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran and its long-standing hosting of anti-Iran terrorist groups and individuals.
Condemning Britain’s irresponsible actions as part of an anti-Iran campaign, Yousefi said such conduct runs counter to the UK government’s international legal obligations.
He called on London to provide, without delay, documents and evidence supporting its allegations against Iran over the alleged incident at RAF Fairford, warning that failure to do so would prompt Tehran to seriously reconsider bilateral relations. Yousefi stressed that the British government would bear responsibility for any consequences.
The British ambassador said he would convey Iran’s position to the officials in his country.
The summons followed a statement issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday night strongly condemning British officials’ allegations over the alleged security incident at RAF Fairford. The ministry described the claims as a “vile plot” to advance an anti-Iran campaign and evade accountability for Britain’s involvement in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran.