“It is perfectly true that the Vienna Convention, which clarifies diplomatic rights, provides immunity to foreign diplomats in host countries,” Esmaily said, noting that Tehran respects the immunity of diplomats. His words are quoted by Tansim.
He emphasized that article 41 of the same convention speaks of the obligation of all persons enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of host countries and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries.
“Under international law, such a person is persona non grata. Iranians expect that such a person will be deported, which also requires international law, ”Esmaily said.
Makair was detained on January 11 in Tehran at a university rally. According to him, he came to the memorial service for the victims of the crash of a Ukrainian passenger plane, shot down by mistake on January 8 by the Iranian military.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that the British ambassador was detained as an unknown foreigner at an illegal meeting and released 15 minutes later when his status was officially confirmed. Later, the foreign ministry accused the diplomat of "egregious interference" in the internal affairs of the country.
They said that "every new British mistake will be met with a tough and appropriate response."