British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has come under criticism after he was photographed shaking hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Miliband met Araghchi on Thursday to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns over threats linked to Iran on British soil.
The meeting drew criticism from UK Shadow Foreign Office Secretary Tom Tugendhat, who accused the British government of giving legitimacy to the Iranian government.
Tugendhat argued that Iran had continued to threaten British interests, support armed groups and suppress protesters, saying the meeting sent the wrong message.
Shadow Foreign Office Minister Alicia Kearns also criticised the encounter in a post on X, describing the handshake as a diplomatic gain for Tehran and calling for an explanation from Miliband.
However, the UK Foreign Office defended the meeting, saying Miliband used the opportunity to warn Araghchi that Britain would not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activities on British soil by groups linked to Iran.
The Foreign Office added that the talks focused on the conflict in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting took place as world leaders and senior officials gathered in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
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