In reaction to yesterday's attack on the British Embassy in Tehran, Britain is "evacuating" its entire diplomatic mission from Iran, the British Foreign Secretary announced today. Further, Britain is requiring the "immediate closure of the Iranian embassy in London."
Here is the full video:
Foreign Secretary Hague added that Britain's response is not an indication it is severing ties with Iran. However, he said the action reduces relations with Iran to the “lowest level consistent with the maintenance of diplomatic relations.” It appears that Britain is attempting to maintain its national pride while at the same time not allowing events to erupt into a major conflict.
In short, cooler heads are prevailing.
Nevertheless, this crisis marks the lowest point in UK/Iranian relations since both countries reopened formal diplomatic ties in 1990. Further, it highlights not only Iran's deep conflict with West, but the greater 'international community' as well.
The attacks have drawn near universal international criticism, from Germany to
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's office, and even Norway, which closed its diplomatic mission in Tehran following Tuesday's mob assaults on the British facilities.
Even China, in a rare criticism of Iran, said the assault was “contrary” to international law and norms and should be dealt with “appropriately.”
Link
UPDATE: France Backs Sanctions On Iran After UK Embassy Attack, which may include freezing Iranian banks' assets and a total embargo on oil exports.
Things are heating up.