The United Kingdom (UK) has reacted to reports that its ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rob Macaire, has been arrested, the Independent newspaper has reported.
Mr Macaire was arrested on his way to his official residence after attending a vigil for the victims of a Ukrainian plane that crashed after being hit by a surface to air missile.
In a statement on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned the arrest, terming it a gross violation of international law.
“The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law,“ the statement read as quoted by the Guardian newspaper.
"The Iranian government is at a crossroads 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 forward, " it added.
The arrest marks another twist in the fallout from the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the elite Quds Force, a unit within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards.
Iran has accused the UK ambassador of fomenting anti-government protests.
The ambassador gave details of his arrest.
"Thanks for the many goodwill messages. Can confirm I wasn’t taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of PS752 tragedy," he said as quoted by the Daily Telegraph.