The United Kingdom has summoned Iran’s ambassador to London over what the government described as the Iranian embassy's "unacceptable and inflammatory" comments on social media.

Britain's minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, made clear that the embassy "must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the UK or internationally," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The British government did not specify which of the embassy's social media comments it was referring to. British lawmakers have warned of significant and wide-ranging threats posed by Iran to Britain.

Iranian officials in Tehran could not be immediately reached for comment on Britain's move.

An activist holds an image of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a march organised by Stop the War Coalition, calling for an end to hostilities amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran, in London, Britain, March 7, 2026.
An activist holds an image of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a march organised by Stop the War Coalition, calling for an end to hostilities amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran, in London, Britain, March 7, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/Jack Taylor)

Iranian embassies call for Iranians to 'give lives in battle'

The summoning came after the Iranian embassy posted a statement on its Telegram channel calling on Iranians in Britain to volunteer for a campaign to declare their willingness to sacrifice their lives in a war in defense of their country.

"Let us all, one and all, give our lives in battle. Rather than surrender our country to the enemy," the statement read, adding that all “brave and distinguished children of Iran” are welcome to join in the campaign.

Iranian embassies in Germany, Austria, and Sri Lanka have also attempted to recruit fighters for the campaign.

Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.