Iran’s ambassador to the UK has been called to the Foreign Office due to the violent crackdown on protests across Iran. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted disturbing reports suggesting a high number of casualties in Iran’s harshest response in over a decade. Concerned about the internet blackout in Iran, Cooper expressed worries that the true extent of the atrocities might be greater than reported.
In a separate development, US President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian protesters to persist in their demonstrations, urging them to take control of their institutions. Trump vowed consequences for those responsible for the violence, announcing the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials until the killings cease.
In response to the situation, the Foreign Office in the UK summoned the Iranian ambassador, Seyed Ali Mousavi, to address the country’s actions. Cooper, speaking in the House of Commons, condemned the killings, violence, and repression in Iran, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and demanding accountability from Iran.
Cooper also revealed plans for imposing additional sanctions on Iran, targeting key sectors such as finance, energy, transport, and software. She dismissed Iran’s claims of foreign influence instigating the protests as false propaganda aimed at discrediting the legitimate grassroots movement unfolding in Iran.
Stressing the need to counter the Iranian regime’s misinformation, Cooper affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people and standing against repression. She emphasized the importance of not allowing the regime to manipulate narratives and expressed solidarity with the global efforts to address the crisis in Iran.