Iran condemns UK over arrests of nationals, citing political motives
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UK police have arrested five Iranian nationals in multiple cities under anti-terrorism laws, prompting Tehran to demand explanations and accuse London of denying them consular rights.
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Police officers patrol outside the London offices of the political party Reform UK in London, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. (AP)
Tehran has formally protested the arrest of several Iranian nationals in the United Kingdom, denouncing the actions as politically motivated and legally indefensible. The move adds new strain to Iran-UK relations amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
On Sunday, the director of the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Third Western European Department met with the British charge d’affaires in Tehran to register a “strong protest” against what Iranian officials described as baseless allegations targeting the Islamic Republic.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the arrests "violate the accepted rules and standards of international law and human rights."
The official said that the detained individuals had been “charged without any evidence” and criticized British authorities for denying them consular access and necessary protections.
“These actions are politically motivated,” the Iranian official warned, adding that the UK government “is fully responsible” for the fallout from what Iran perceives as pressure tactics against its citizens abroad.
Arrest details and locations confirmed by UK authorities
British media reported the arrest of four Iranian men on Saturday under the UK’s Terrorism Act. UK police confirmed the individuals were taken into custody in various regions: a 29-year-old in Swindon, a 46-year-old in west London, a 29-year-old in Stockport, and a 40-year-old in Rochdale.
Authorities stated that all four were released the same day after police obtained “various warrants of further detention.”
Investigations remain active, with searches ongoing across multiple locations, including Greater Manchester, London, Swindon, and High Wycombe.
In a separate case, a fifth man, aged 24, had previously been arrested in Manchester under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. He has since been released on bail with conditions, pending a court appearance scheduled for May.
Ongoing investigations and rising diplomatic tensions
UK authorities have not released detailed charges against the detained individuals, citing the sensitivity of ongoing investigations.
However, Tehran has framed the arrests as part of a broader campaign of “political persecution” of Iranian nationals in Western countries.
The protest follows a pattern of growing diplomatic friction between Iran and the United Kingdom over recent months, particularly around intelligence and security allegations.
Iran has called on the UK to respect international obligations, warning that any perceived violations of consular rights or due process could have broader consequences for bilateral relations.
In a similar vein, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the claims in a statement last Thursday, asserting that Tehran has not received any formal communication regarding such allegations through appropriate diplomatic channels.
“Iran stands ready to engage to shed light on what has truly transpired, and we reiterate that UK authorities should afford our citizens due process,” Araghchi wrote on his X account.
Araghchi emphasized Iran’s willingness to assist in any credible investigation, criticizing the UK government’s failure to communicate with Tehran directly, with concern over the political timing and lack of transparency.
In his remarks, Araghchi cautioned against the involvement of external actors seeking to sabotage diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Western nations.
As the investigations continue, the arrests have become another flashpoint in already strained diplomatic ties, with Iran urging British authorities to cease actions it views as unlawful and politically charged.
