Published 09:08 IST, January 14th 2020
Iranian Foreign Minister Javed Zarif slams UK for 'parroting' US line
Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran Javad Zarif slammed the United Kingdom over their support to the United States amid the escalating tension in the Middle east
Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister, Javad Zarif on Tuesday slammed the United Kingdom over their support to the United States amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Taking to Twitter, Zarif stated that the UK was 'parroting' US lines and blamed Washington for the rise of terrorism in the region.
Zarif also mentioned that the E-3 is trying to save the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by resorting to bullying. The E-3 comprises France, Germany, and Italy. Iranian Foreign Ministry once again condemned the regime’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Defense Minister’s unacceptable remarks on the assassination of Lt. General Soleimani and his companions by the US terrorist forces considering these remarks as the UK’s participation in the crime.
On January 7, Zarif took to Twitter and responded to US President Donald Trump's threat by sharing the pictures of protests in Iran over America's threats.
This name-calling came after a long stir between the two countries following the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and attacks on Green Zone in Baghdad. Javad Zarif accused the US of inciting war crimes and violating international laws in the tweet.
Iran's statement on UK
Earlier on Monday Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the UK officials’ anti-Iran remarks and the country’s ambassador’s suspiciously illegal and unprofessional measure of participating in an internal gathering in Tehran. The statement emphasizes that the UK envoy’s presence in an internal gathering is London’s clear interference in Iran’s internal affairs contrary to principles of diplomatic relations which implies the UK’s participation in the US' failed policy of maximum pressure on Iran.
Referring to the British Foreign Minister's threat against Iran to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic, Zarif emphasized that any possible mistake made by the UK will face Iran's harsh and proportionate reaction and London will be responsible for the consequences.
Also referring to the UK's colonial history in the Middle East, the statement adds that it is time for the UK to understand that the era of colonialism has come to end and the country's ambassadors must stop interfering in internal affairs of the countries and stop intensifying tension.
The statement also emphasizes that despite having different attitudes and viewpoints Iran never accepts interference of foreign states in its internal affairs and will never forget that the UK government is a supporter of the butchers who slaughtered Yemeni children and Khashoggi.
In the end, the Iranian Foreign Ministry called on the UK government to end any form of interference in Iran's internal affairs by its ambassador and warns London of continuation of interfering measures can be responded beyond just summoning the UK's envoy.
(With AP inputs: image: AP)
Updated 09:08 IST, January 14th 2020