Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has told Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi that the UK will "not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity on UK soil". The two ministers met face-to-face at the UN General Assembly in New York City.
The Foreign Office stated that Mr Miliband discussed "the UK's unwavering resolve to combat threats from Iranian-linked groups in UK soil, including attacks on the British Jewish community". This follows an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green in March and other incidents.
British intelligence chiefs initially kept an open mind regarding the involvement of the Iranian state or its organisations in the Hatzola ambulance attack and other attacks against Jewish communities during 2026. They later concluded that secret intelligence pointed to Iran or its proxies being involved.
Mr Miliband also raised the detention of British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman in Iran, who have been held for over 20 months and were sentenced to 10 years in jail on espionage charges, which they deny. He reiterated the call for their immediate release and stressed their welfare as a government priority.
Discussions also covered the war in the Middle East, with Mr Miliband telling Mr Araghchi that Iran should choose "de-escalation and diplomacy instead of prolonging the war" and stressing the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that the men met and "discussed bilateral ties and international developments during their talks".