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U.K. seeks to isolate Iran

LONDON: Britain’s efforts to isolate Iran over the arrests of its embassy staff in Tehran for allegedly fomenting the post-poll turmoil met with partial success on Friday when the European Union governments reportedly agreed to summon Iranian Ambassadors to lodge a protest but declined to set a deadline for downgrading their diplomatic missions in Iran.

The move came as a senior Iranian cleric said that some of the British staff detained last week could be put on trial for allegedly inciting protesters.

All are Iranian nationals and do not enjoy diplomatic immunity. “Naturally they will be put on trial, they have made confessions…In these incidents, their embassy had a presence…,” said Ahmad Jannati, whom the BBC described as “chief” of the Guardians Council.

Britain said of the nine employees who were arrested two were still in detention. The Foreign Office said it was “concerned” over reported Iranian threats to put them on trial.

“We are very concerned by these reports and are investigating. Allegations that our staff were involved in fomenting unrest are wholly without foundation,” it said in a statement.

British Government wanted its EU partners to step up pressure on Iran by giving an ultimatum that they would withdraw their ambassadors if the employees were not released.

But EU Foreign Ministers, who met in Stockholm, were reported to be in favour of waiting for the Iranian response before announcing further measures. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said it was “too early” to set a deadline for withdrawal of ambassadors.

One of the measures being considered was suspending visas for Iranians holding diplomatic passports.

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