TEHRAN: Iran’s International Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected on Thursday (Could 8) allegations that his authorities was concerned in a plot to focus on the Israeli embassy in London, following the arrest of seven Iranian nationals.
British police mentioned seven Iranian nationals have been arrested on suspicion of “terrorism offences” in separate operations – three on Saturday and 4 on Sunday.
Britain’s inside minister Yvette Cooper mentioned the arrests got here amid heightened considerations about Iranian actions.
The Instances newspaper reported that the arrests adopted an alleged plot to focus on the Israeli embassy in London, however officers haven’t commented.
“Iran in no unsure phrases categorically rejects any involvement in such actions and confirms that we’ve got not been knowledgeable of any allegations through correct diplomatic channels,” mentioned Araghchi in a publish on X.
“Iran has urged the UK to interact in order that we could help any probe into credible allegations,” he added, noting that the “timing and lack of engagement recommend that one thing is amiss”, with out elaborating.
Iran has referred to as for instant clarification on the arrests and for consular entry to the detainees.
On Wednesday, Iran’s ambassador to Britain Ali Mousavi mentioned the arrests in a gathering with UK Center East minister Hamish Falconer, emphasising the significance of “respect for his or her rights and due course of”, the Iranian embassy mentioned on X.
The arrests got here as talks between Iran and the USA aimed toward exploring a possible nuclear settlement have been delayed final weekend, with mediator Oman citing “logistical causes”.
A gathering between Iranian diplomats and representatives of Britain, France, and Germany scheduled for Could 2 was postponed following the delay in US-Iran talks.
“There’s a historical past of third events bent on derailing diplomacy and upsetting escalation, resorting to determined measures, together with false flag operations,” mentioned Araghchi.
“Iran stands prepared to interact to make clear what has actually transpired.”
