Tensions escalated between Iran and the United Kingdom as the British Ambassador to Tehran, Simon Shercliff, was summoned by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The move came in response to a social media post by Ambassador Shercliff, which was deemed interventionist, coinciding with Reporters' Day.

The Director General of Iran's Western Europe Affairs Department held the meeting with Ambassador Shercliff on Wednesday evening, conveying Iran's strong objection to what they regarded as the ambassador's behavior falling outside the bounds of diplomatic norms and regulations.

During the meeting, the Director General underscored the Iranian authorities' concern over content that lacked diplomatic decorum and was perceived as meddling in the internal affairs of the nation. He emphasized that such actions were unacceptable and constituted interference.

Furthermore, the Director General drew attention to the actions of certain London-based media outlets that Iran perceives as carrying out destructive activities against the Islamic Republic under the pretext of freedom of speech. He pointedly stated that considering England's historical stance towards the Iranian people, it lacked the moral standing to comment on Iran's internal affairs.

Asserting Iran's sovereignty, the Director General reiterated that arbitrary actions could not undermine the Islamic Republic's standing, affirming the nation's determination to uphold its integrity.

In response, Ambassador Shercliff reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to maintaining respectful relations with Iran.

The incident highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic discourse and the freedom of expression, a challenge that countries often grapple with in their international engagements. (ILKHA)