Iranian envoy to UK reportedly removed over ‘unconventional event’ at London embassy

Iran’s ambassador to the UK has been dismissed due to an “unconventional event” at Tehran’s London embassy, according to a newspaper close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Kayhan newspaper said on Saturday that the ambassador, Mohsen Baharvand, had been dismissed from his post over a “norm-breaking” ceremony two weeks ago to mark the anniversary of 1979 Islamic revolution.

According to the semi-official ILNA news agency, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Baharvand was “on the change list along with 37 other ambassadors.”

Officially, the reason for Baharvand’s removal has not been disclosed.

However, a video posted online allegedly from the ceremony showed women without hijabs, which are compulsory by law in public in Iran.

An unveiled woman was seen in the footage playing the piano next to a male violinist, according to reports in Iranian media.

Iranian officials often attend events outside the country where the hijab is not worn.