UK summons Iranian ambassador over embassy’s ‘unacceptable’ comments on social media
The UK has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the embassy's 'unacceptable and inflammatory' social media posts, which the government says could be interpreted as encouraging violence. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer demanded the embassy cease such communications immediately. The remarks in question, reportedly on Telegram, called on Iranians in the UK to volunteer to sacrifice their lives for Iran. The UK did not specify which posts prompted the diplomatic action.
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UK summons Iranian ambassador over embassy’s ‘unacceptable’ comments on social mediaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBritain's minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer has urged the Iranian embassy to "cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence".PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 29, 2026, 12:28 AMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 12:59 AMListenLONDON - Britain said on April 28 the Iranian ambassador to London had been summoned over what the government described as the Iranian embassy's "unacceptable and inflammatory" comments on social media.Britain's minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, made clear that the embassy "must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the UK or internationally", the Foreign Office said in a statement.Iranian officials in Tehran could not be immediately reached for comment on Britain's move.A statement posted by the Iranian embassy on its Telegram channel earlier in April called on Iranians in Britain to volunteer for a campaign to declare their willingness to sacrifice their lives in a war in defence of their country.The British government did not specify which of the embassy's social media comments it was referring to. British lawmakers have warned of significant and wide-ranging threats posed by Iran to Britain.The government also summoned the Iranian ambassador in March after an Iranian national and a British-Iranian dual national were charged on suspicion of helping Iran's intelligence services. REUTERSMore on this topicBritish PM Starmer says Iran conflict shows Britain must take a new pathBritish PM Starmer says Trump’s Iran rhetoric is contrary to UK values See more onBritainIran warMediaSocial mediaDiplomats
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