UK demands Iran ends detention of British nationals for diplomatic ‘leverage’

Senior Tory MP calls on government to condemn ‘industrialised hostage-taking’

Protest against the Islamic regime of Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini (REUTERS)

The UK has called on Iran to end its practice of detaining British and other foreign nationals for “diplomatic leverage” after individuals with links to Britain were reportedly arrested in connection with protests.

Downing Street said officials were still “urgently” seeking information after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Sunday they had arrested seven individuals “related to the UK” – including some dual British-Iranian nationals.

A No 10 spokesman denied Iranian claims that Britain had been involved in “inciting” riots amid a wave of protests which have shaken the country’s regime in recent months.