The UK and Iran have had a long and troubled history, despite slightly warming relations in recent years following the election of moderate Rouhani as president. 

Britain earned the nickname ‘Wily Old Fox’ as they helped carve up and hand out parts of then-Persia to Russia and Afghanistan during the 19th century. 

The UK also gained control of all Iranian oil during the early 20th century, as well as a heavy influence over its army and treasury. 

During the mid-20th century Britain and America supported a coup, snuffing out a democratically elected-government and introducing the unelected and dictatorial Shah. 

And after he was deposed in the Islamic Revolution, the UK and USA then supported Sadam Hussein's Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war, which saw more the one million Iranians lose their life.

For this Britain gained a new nickname, 'Little Satan', and were reviled more than any other country but the USA, called 'Great Satan'.