Iran summons UK envoy over "false and baseless" accusations

Iran has summoned the British ambassador to Tehran in protest over what it described as repeated "false and baseless" accusations made by UK officials against the Islamic Republic.

The envoy was called in by Alireza Yousefi, Iran's assistant foreign minister and director general for Western Europe, who conveyed Tehran's objections to what he described as the British government's inappropriate approach toward the Iranian people, Caliber.Az reports, citing Mehr News.

During the meeting, Yousefi handed over an official protest note rejecting allegations by British officials that Iran was seeking to carry out activities threatening security in the United Kingdom.

According to the Iranian diplomat, the accusations amounted to an attempt to shift blame and avoid responsibility for actions that Tehran says violate international law, including support for the United States and Israel in actions that Iran claims have contributed to instability in West Asia, as well as the hosting of anti-Iran groups.

Yousefi urged London to reconsider its policies toward Iran rather than making what he described as "ridiculous and fabricated accusations."

He also called on the British government to stop hosting and supporting terrorist and violent groups and individuals, as well as to end its support for Israel, which Tehran described as "the greatest security threat to the global peace and security."

Iranian officials further argued that Britain's continued hosting of groups allegedly funded and directed by Israel, and accused of inciting violence and terrorism, runs contrary to the UK's international legal obligations to combat terrorism and should be brought to an end.

If you're looking for headline options as well, I can provide several Reuters-style alternatives.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov