Foreign Secretary has condemned Iran’s planned execution of a British-Iranian dual citizen. He called it “a politically motivated act by an oppressive regime”.

James Cleverly appealed to Alireza Akbari for her release. Alireza is a former high ranking defense official in IranAccused of working for British intelligence.

According to semi-official Tasnim news agency, Mr Akbari was the Iranian deputy defense minister under President Mohammad Khatami from 2001 to 2001.

According to Iranian intelligence, the spy was unmasked by giving false information to him. It also described him as “one the most important infiltrators” of sensitive and strategic centers of the country.

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Cleverly tweeted that “Iran must stop the execution of British-Iranian National Alireza Akbari” and immediately release him.

“This is a political motivated act by a barbaric dictatorship that has total disregard for human lives.”

Mr Akbari claimed that he was tortured, given mind-altering drugs, and forced to confess crimes he didn’t commit.

According to BBC Persia, Maryam, his wife, has stated that she was asked to go to a “final view” at the prison where her husband is held. This suggests that his execution could be imminent.

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the execution and accused Tehran of reacting to feeling “cornered” by international sanctions and antigovernment protests.

She said that the Iranian regime has shown another horrible example, feeling trapped by the pressure of sanctions, industrializing hostage-taking, and weaponizing British nationals.

Ms Kearns stated that the West should respond to the recent executions by anti-government protesters with new sanctions.

She stated that every time an Iranian government assassinates a protester, sanctions should be applied by the West the next day. This would show that the West stands by Iranians who are protesting basic rights. Otherwise, we don’t support them in any meaningful way.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that they were supporting Mr Akbari’s family and had repeatedly raised the case with Iranian authorities.

“Our priority is to secure his immediate release. We have reiterated our request that urgent consular access be granted.”