Iran's Parliament Votes to Reduce Ties With Britain

Iran's parliament has approved a bill to reduce diplomatic and economic ties with Britain in retaliation for fresh Western sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program.

A majority of lawmakers voted Sunday to force out the British ambassador within two weeks, leaving Britain's embassy to be run by a charge d'affaires. Economic relations with London would also be reduced to a minimum.

The bill now goes to Iran's Guardians Council - a constitutional oversight body - for final approval.

Sunday's vote is seen as a reaction to British support for new U.S. efforts to pressure Tehran to halt its alleged nuclear weapons program.

Britain's government earlier this month announced coordinated sanctions with the United States and Canada against Iran. The moves came a week after a report by the U.N. atomic energy watchdog agency strongly suggesting Iran is researching nuclear weapons.

Tehran says its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. ---VOA News