Iran summons British diplomat over UK’s sanctions on Iranian shipping company

In response to the illegal UK sanctions against several Iranian individuals and entities including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL) and Iran Air on the unfounded pretext that Iran sends ballistic missiles to Russia the British Chargé d'Affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry.

In response to the illegal UK sanctions against several Iranian individuals and entities, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL) and Iran Air, on the unfounded pretext that Iran sends ballistic missiles to Russia, the British Chargé d'Affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry.

Abbas Naderi, Assistant Director General for Western Europe Department at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, conveyed Iran’s strong objection against the illegal and unjustified action by the British government.

Naderi strongly condemned the move by the UK, describing it as contrary to international law and detrimental to the principle of freedom of navigation and maritime trade.

The Iranian diplomat dismissed the claim that Iran is delivering ballistic missiles to Russia, an allegation even rejected by the Ukrainian president as false.

He stressed, “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s legitimate and lawful cooperation with other countries in the defense and security domains is not directed against any third party.”

“The unlawful interference of some European countries, including the UK, in Iran's defense cooperation with other countries is entirely unacceptable,” Naderi further stated.

The diplomat asserted that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not let the irrational actions that contradict international standards go unanswered.

He clarified that the responsibility for the consequences of such unjustified and confrontational behavior lies with the British government.

The British Chargé d'Affaires stated that he would immediately relay the message to London.