Iran’s response to Britain, a message for other EU states

TEHRAN, Dec. 4 (MNA) -- Britain’s inimical policies toward the Islamic Republic of Iran in recent years and the intensification of its anti-Iran measures, especially after Iran stepped up its peaceful nuclear program, were reasonable justifications for the Iranian parliament’s decision to approve a bill downgrading ties with the United Kingdom. The idea to reduce diplomatic ties with London was proposed by members of the parliament last year, but it was not approved by the Majlis Presiding Board, in the hope that the British government would revise its stance toward the Islamic Republic. However, Britain’s imposition of unilateral sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian institutions and on Iranian individuals intensified the public outrage over the UK’s hostility toward the Iranian nation. In fact, the recent Majlis bill was a direct response to public expectations. Britain is one of the most influential members of the European Union and plays an important role in setting EU policy toward Iran. Thus, Tehran’s response to Britain was expected to have an impact on other EU members and their future policies toward the Islamic Republic. In other words, after analyzing the serious consequences of Britain’s decision and Iran’s response, other EU members will decide if they want to change their policies toward Iran. Britain is also expected to revise its policy toward the Islamic Republic. Otherwise, it will face tougher measures, including the complete severance of all relations in all areas. The change in the status of diplomatic relations between the two countries is expected to have no effect on the lives of Iranians residing in Britain and British citizens residing in Iran because at the very least, each country will maintain an interests section in the other country. However, there is a slight possibility that the British government will decide to put more pressure on Iranian citizens residing in the country, especially Iranian students studying in Britain. But this would create more problems, and British officials should be aware of the consequences of such a decision.