Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the UK’s chargé d’affaires in Tehran on Sunday to formally protest the arrest of several Iranian nationals in the United Kingdom, some of whom have been charged with espionage, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA.

The ministry condemned the arrests as “unjustified” and “politically motivated,” delivering an official protest during the meeting with the British diplomat.

The move comes two days after British authorities announced that three Iranian citizens had been formally charged with spying on behalf of Iranian intelligence services.

The incident adds further strain to already tense relations between Tehran and London, amid ongoing disputes over human rights and security issues. Both sides have called for de-escalation and the continuation of diplomatic dialogue.