Kumar from Ealing, London, began his call to LBC radio by saying he was “sick and tired” of people referring to the Iranian government as a “regime”. He argued Iranian leaders were democratically elected and that out of all the countries in the Middle East, Iran is the most democratic, holding regular elections to elect its leaders. But when LBC radio host Maajid Nawaz pointed out that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, is not elected and he is the most powerful man in the country, the caller attempted to compare him to Queen Elizabeth II to argue his case. 

The radio host blasted: “In Iran, the head of state actually has real power.

“Does the Queen have a Revolutionary Guards Council that has direct military control?

“Not only over domestic affairs but also over foreign policy?

“The Queen doesn’t have that, does she? This is insanity!”

It comes as British Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire was arrested during anti-government protests in Tehran.

Reacting to the news, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned Iran it is in danger of becoming an international “pariah”. 

Mr Raab said the detention of Rob Macaire and without any grounds or explanation was a “flagrant violation” of international law.

He said Tehran was at a crossroads – with the prospect of continuing political and economic isolation unless it engages diplomatically with the West.

Mr Macaire was said to be “safe and well” in the British embassy after he was eventually released after more than an hour in custody.

His arrest came as a wave of anti-government demonstrations broke out across the country following the admission Iranian forces had accidentally brought down a Ukrainian airliner killing all 176 people on board.

It is understood that the ambassador had been attending what had been billed as a vigil for the victims of the crash at the Amir Kabir University.

However, the event quickly turned into an anti-government protest at which point he was said to have left.

It was as he was trying to make his way back to the embassy that he was picked up – although it is not clear by whom.

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In a statement, Mr Raab said: “The arrest of our ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law.

“The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards.”

In a tweet following his arrest, Mr Macaire said: “Thanks for the many goodwill messages. Can confirm I wasn’t taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of £PS752 tragedy. Normal to want to pay respects – some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting.

“Detained half an hour after leaving the area. Arresting diplomats is, of course, illegal, in all countries.”

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