UK has started preemptive cold war against Iran: ex-ambassador

Tehran Times – Iranian former ambassador to France Sadeq Kharrazi has said that the United Kingdom has started a “preemptive cold war” against Iran by adopting financial sanctions against Iran.

On November 21, Britain put a ban on dealing with any Iranian banks, including the central bank.

In reaction to such measures the Iranian parliament overwhelmingly approved a proposal on November 23 calling for a reduction in the level of ties with Britain.

In an interview with ISNA, which was published on Monday, Kharrazi said the reaction of the Iranian parliament to London was natural as Britain’s aggressive behavior toward Iran could not be underestimated. 

Kharrazi said that the British government should have come to the conclusion that having full diplomatic relations with Iran and committing hostile acts against it at the same time would not be possible. 

However, the former diplomat expressed dismay over the storming of the British embassy in Tehran, saying such behavior does not benefit the country. 

On November 29, after a demonstration held to protest against the British government’s hostile policies toward Iran in front of the British embassy in Tehran, a number of students from various universities entered the British embassy compound and pulled down the Union Jack.

Kharrazi said the European countries have distanced themselves from Iran and the reason for such a move can be sought in developments that have taken place on both sides of the Atlantic and the deterrent policies adopted by Iranian officials.

Once Europe played an effective role in both sides of the Atlantic, but for many reasons it has lost its role, Kharrazi added.

Elections are best means to counter threats

Kharrazi called on Iranian officials, politicians, parties, and intellectuals to be more vigilant against traps set by arrogant powers than before and said that the most important means to counteract the enemies threats against Iran is “elections”.

The former diplomat was indirectly suggesting that the Islamic Republic’s system should create a situation where people of different political persuasions can enthusiastically participate in elections and thereby demonstrate national unity, a tool which can neutralize threats against the country.

“Election can strengthen the foundations of Iran’s political system. On the other hand election can turn into the most important problem. Election in Iran is both an opportunity and a threat,” he commented.