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UK expels two Iranian diplomats UK expels two Iranian diplomats
(10 minutes later)
The UK is to expel two Iranian diplomats in a tit-for-tat action after Tehran ordered two UK diplomats to leave the country.The UK is to expel two Iranian diplomats in a tit-for-tat action after Tehran ordered two UK diplomats to leave the country.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the move in the House of Commons.Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the move in the House of Commons.
He said it was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country over allegations that were "absolutely without foundation".He said it was in response to Iran ordering two UK diplomats to leave the country over allegations that were "absolutely without foundation".
Mr Brown added that he was "disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position".Mr Brown added that he was "disappointed that Iran has placed us in this position".
The prime minister said: "Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation.The prime minister said: "Iran yesterday took the unjustified step of expelling two British diplomats over allegations which are absolutely without foundation.
ANALYSIS Paul AdamsDiplomatic correspondent, BBC News "One casualty of Iran's deepening political crisis has been Britain's already delicate diplomatic relationship with the Islamic Republic.
"Iran's decision to expel two British diplomats follows days of anti-British rhetoric from the leadership in Tehran, including strong words last Friday from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei - who described Britain as the 'most treacherous' of Iran's enemies.
"Until recently, the United States was singled out as the Islamic Revolution's principal opponent. This has changed.
"By offering an 'open hand' to Iran since taking over as president, Barack Obama has challenged Iran's traditional view of the 'Great Satan'.
"Britain, almost by default, has emerged as the target of Iranian ire. "
"In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London.""In response to that action, we informed the Iranian ambassador today that we would expel two Iranian diplomats from their embassy in London."
The onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Mass unrest erupted in Iran after the results of presidential elections on 12 June were contested.Mass unrest erupted in Iran after the results of presidential elections on 12 June were contested.
The protests have left at least 10 people dead in the capital.The protests have left at least 10 people dead in the capital.
Mr Brown added that the outcome of the elections should reflect the aspirations and choices of the people there.Mr Brown added that the outcome of the elections should reflect the aspirations and choices of the people there.
"The onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible and that the repression and curtailment of democratic rights that we've seen in the last few days will cease," he said."The onus is on Iran to show the Iranian people that recent elections have been credible and that the repression and curtailment of democratic rights that we've seen in the last few days will cease," he said.
'Forced to respond'
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) did not specify the identities of the individuals being expelled from Iran, except to say they are diplomats, rather than support staff, and the British Ambassador is not one of them.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) did not specify the identities of the individuals being expelled from Iran, except to say they are diplomats, rather than support staff, and the British Ambassador is not one of them.
An FCO spokesman said the Iranian Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office earlier to be told two Iranian diplomats holding equivalent positions in London were also being asked to leave by the end of the week.An FCO spokesman said the Iranian Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office earlier to be told two Iranian diplomats holding equivalent positions in London were also being asked to leave by the end of the week.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the UK was the "most evil" of governments
He said the action was "regrettable" but the UK had been forced to respond.He said the action was "regrettable" but the UK had been forced to respond.
He added that Tehran had claimed the British diplomats had been "involved in activities incompatible with their status" - an allegation the UK rejected.He added that Tehran had claimed the British diplomats had been "involved in activities incompatible with their status" - an allegation the UK rejected.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the UK was the "most evil" of governments
The spokesman dismissed further accusations Iran has made of the UK's alleged involvement in provoking protests as "absurd".The spokesman dismissed further accusations Iran has made of the UK's alleged involvement in provoking protests as "absurd".
Conservative leader David Cameron supported the decision to expel the Iranian diplomats.Conservative leader David Cameron supported the decision to expel the Iranian diplomats.
He said: "The expulsion of diplomats by Iran is clearly not acceptable and the British government was absolutely right to respond."He said: "The expulsion of diplomats by Iran is clearly not acceptable and the British government was absolutely right to respond."
Iran has singled out the UK in its widespread condemnation of what it calls meddling by foreign powers in its affairs.Iran has singled out the UK in its widespread condemnation of what it calls meddling by foreign powers in its affairs.
The BBC's decision to start a Persian language TV service, earlier this year, has also angered the authorities. The service has no correspondent in Tehran, but on Sunday the government expelled the BBC's English language correspondent, Jon Leyne.