PRESS RELEASE : Summoning of the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires – FCDO statement [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 April 2024.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today, 14 April 2024.

Today, on instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

The Foreign Secretary summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy today.

The UK condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel, as well as their violation of Jordan and Iraq’s airspace. At a time of great tension in the Middle East, this was a profoundly dangerous and unnecessary escalation by Iran.

The UK calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the civilian ship ‘MSC Aries’ and its crew, which was seized by Iranian armed forces yesterday in international waters.

The Iranian authorities must take meaningful and immediate action to de-escalate and halt its reckless and unlawful behaviour.

The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and the security of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. We will also continue to work with our international partners to protect and uphold stability in the region.