UK Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, has faced criticism after meeting and shaking hands with Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two officials discussed the conflict in the Middle East, the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over Iranian-linked threats in Britain.
The meeting drew criticism from opposition politicians, including Shadow Foreign Office Secretary, Tom Tugendhat, who questioned the decision to engage with Iranian officials.
Shadow Foreign Office minister, Alicia Kearns, also criticised the encounter, accusing the government of giving Tehran a propaganda opportunity.
However, the UK Foreign Office defended the meeting, saying Miliband used the discussions to warn Araghchi that Britain would not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity linked to Iran on British soil.
The meeting took place as world leaders and senior officials gathered in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
