UK calls for action to protect embassy in Iran

Foreign Office blasts demonstrators for causing vandalism to British property; "It is unacceptable."

By REUTERS
protesters remove UK emblem from embassy in Tehran_311 (photo credit: Reuters)
protesters remove UK emblem from embassy in Tehran_311
(photo credit: Reuters)
LONDON - Britain urged Iran to take urgent action to bring the situation under control after reports that protesters stormed two British embassy compounds in Tehran on Tuesday.
"Senior officials have spoken to the Iranian charge (senior diplomat) in London to urge the Iranian authorities to act with utmost urgency to ensure the situation is brought under control and to protect our diplomatic compound, as they are obliged to do under international law," Britain's Foreign Office said in a statement.
RELATED:Iran body passes law expelling British ambassadorTehran: Protesters storm 2 British embassy compounds The Foreign Office also updated its travel advice on Iran, advising Britons in the country to stay indoors and keep a low profile.
Earlier Tuesday, the Foreign Office said it was outraged at an incursion into its embassy compound in Tehran during which dozens of young Iranian men were reported to have entered buildings, thrown petrol bombs and burned documents.
"There has been a incursion by a significant number of demonstrators into our Embassy premises, including vandalism to our property," the Foreign Office said in a statement.
"This is a fluid situation and details are still emerging," it added. "We are outraged by this. It is utterly unacceptable and we condemn it.
The statement said that under international law Iran has a clear duty to protect diplomats and Embassies in their country.
Protesters burn British flag, Tehran (Reuters)
Protesters burn British flag, Tehran (Reuters)
"We expect them to act urgently to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of our staff and security of our property," it added.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary William Hague said he expected some other countries to follow Britain's lead in imposing financial sanctions on Iran and pledged "robust" action if Tehran reduces its diplomatic relations with London.