Iran retaliates against UK

Iran’s parliament has approved a bill to reduce Tehran’s diplomatic relations with London and withdraw the country’s ambassador to Britain.

In a session of parliament broadcast on state radio, MPs voted today to require Iran’s foreign ministry to reduce diplomatic relations to the level of charge d’affaires within two weeks. The bill needs ratification by a constitutional watchdog to become a law.

The decision is seen as a reaction to support offered by London last week to new American efforts to pressure Tehran to halt its alleged nuclear weapons programme.

Iran says its nuclear activities have aimed at peaceful purposes like power generation.