Iran: No downgrade of diplomatic ties with Britain

Iran dismissed the idea of downgrading diplomatic relations with Britain today despite soaring tensions between the two countries after Iranian authorities detained local British Embassy employees for allegedly stirring up post-election unrest.

Britain has angrily denied that any Iranian staff at its embassy in Tehran have been involved in opposition challenges to the regime. Yesterday, the European Union condemned the detentions as “harassment and intimidation” and demanded the immediate release of those still in custody.