Iran chaos: UK accuses Tehran of 'violating international law' after ambassador arrest

IRANIAN officials reportedly arrested and detained the UK's ambassador to the country following protests in the capital today.

By BILL MCLOUGHLIN

PUBLISHED: 21:16, Sat, Jan 11, 2020 | UPDATED: 01:31, Sun, Jan 12, 2020

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Iran: Dominic Raab criticises arrest of UK ambassador

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Tasnim News Agency has reported, Robert Macaire, 53 was detained after being accused of inciting protests against the regime. The 53-year-old was reportedly inflaming protestor outside the Amir Akabir University today. 

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Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the arrest of the British ambassador to Iran during protests in Tehran was a "flagrant violation of international law".

In a statement, he said: "The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law.

"The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment.

"It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards."

World war 3: Iran ambassador detained (Image: GETTY)

World war 3: Protestors chanted against Ali Khamenei (Image: Rex)

Mr Macaire was appointed as the ambassador to the country in April 2018, replacing Nicholas Hopton. 

The apparent arrest came as protestors gathered in the city following the attack on Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 which killed 176 people. 

Following the protests across the city, videos emerged of people chanting "death to liars" and for the Supreme Leder, Ali Khamenei to resign. 

The Islamic Republic revealed on Friday the passenger jet had been mistakenly hit. 

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World war 3: Dominic Raab hits out at Iran (Image: Reuters)

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Following Iran's revelation, Boris Johson termed the move as an “important first step” in de-escalating tensions. 

In a statement today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson labelled the revelation as a key first step but has called for an investigation to take place.

Mr Johnson said in a statement: “Iran's admission that Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by mistake by its own armed forces is an important first step.

“This will be an incredibly difficult time for all those families who lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances.