UK summons senior Iranian diplomat over alleged proxy attacks in Europe
UK Response to Alleged Iranian Proxy Activities
July 14 (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in London over what the UK government said was Iran's role in directing proxy groups to carry out attacks across Europe in recent months.
Diplomatic Summons and Allegations
Charge d'Affaires Ali Nasimfar was summoned to the foreign ministry over the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force allegedly directing a group to carry out attacks across Europe between March and May, the British Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
Details of the Proxy Group
It identified the proxy group as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. Calling the activity "completely unacceptable," the foreign ministry said, "Despite repeated warnings, Iran’s intelligence services have not ceased in their hostile activity. Instead, Iran has sought to intensify its malign behaviour."
Iranian Response and Context
The Iranian embassy in London could not immediately be reached for comment outside regular business hours. Iran, which is at war with the United States and Israel, has previously denied using proxies.
UK’s Security Measures
Britain on Monday designated the IRGC and a linked group as a security threat under new powers aimed at preventing foreign states from using proxies for activities such as surveillance and sabotage.
Tehran's Condemnation
Tehran on Tuesday condemned the decision, saying the IRGC was an official part of Iran's armed forces and accusing Britain of violating international law by targeting a state institution.
Background on the IRGC and Quds Force
The Quds Force is the IRGC's overseas arm. The United States has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
(Reporting by Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
