After Britain’s decision to close the Iranian embassy in London, the Islamic Republic warned on Wednesday that it will take measures against the UK describing the decision as passive and hasty

After Britain’s decision to close the Iranian embassy in London, the Islamic Republic warned on Wednesday that it will take measures against the UK describing the decision as passive and hasty, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

"Obviously the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will take reciprocal action in this regard and holds the British government responsible for protecting the diplomatic properties and belongings in London," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said in statements emailed to AFP.

"What happened at the British embassy in Tehran was unpredictable. It occurred due to the anger of some demonstrators over Britain's policies regarding the Islamic republic," Mehmanparast said.

He noted that none of the British diplomats were hurt and said the judiciary was "dealing" with the "violators." Iran "is committed to international obligations, and considers unacceptable any aggression towards diplomats and diplomatic properties," Mehmanparast added.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said London was shutting its embassy in Tehran and ordering the immediate closure of Iran's embassy to Britain. Iranian diplomats had until Friday to leave the country, Hague said.

The announcement was in response to Tuesday's storming of Britain's embassy in Tehran by Iranian protesters who Hague said were likely sent by the Islamic republic's rulers an accusation ruled out by Iran.

Today, Britain also urged the European Union to intensify economic sanctions against Iran, Hague said.
  
Hague, who is meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels, added that the EU had shown "tremendous solidarity" with France, Germany and the Netherlands all recalling their ambassadors from Iran after Tuesday's attack.
  
"At the meeting we're having today, I will be advocating an intensification of economic sanctions on Iran, particularly to increase the isolation of the Iranian financial sector and to intensify sanctions," Hague told BBC radio.