There was sheer outrage in Westminster over this arrest. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned Iran it risks becoming an international ‘pariah’ after the British ambassador was arrested during anti-government protests in Tehran. Raab said: “The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law. He said Tehran was at a crossroads of continuing political and economic isolation unless it engages diplomatically with the west.
His arrest came as anti-government demonstrations took place across the country to protest against Iranian admission about striking the Ukranian commercial aircraft killing all 176 people on board.
The ambassador was reported to be safe and secure after he was released by the Iranian authorities about an hour or so afters the arrest.
The incident has threatened to reignite tensions in the region just as they appeared to be easing.