LONDON - BRITAIN has replaced America as Iran's 'Great Satan.' That's the upshot of the announcement on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is considering downgrading its diplomatic ties to Britain, the country's former colonial ruler.

The comments by Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Iranian state television signal a concerted effort to blame the British for the chaotic postelection street demonstrations threatening the government, experts say.

'The British role as former colonial masters makes them easy targets,' said Michael Williams, a professor of international relations at the University of London who advised Barack Obama's campaign on foreign affairs.

'The Iranians have a history of using the British as a proxy when they can't get at the United States.'

Mr Williams said the Obama administration has been very careful not to fuel the volatile situation, while the British have drawn verbal fire because of the BBC's prominent role as trusted broadcaster inside Iran.

'The BBC Persian Service is very popular and respected in Iran, and the BBC is working actively to increase its satellite coverage and foil Iranian attempts to block their signal, this has made the Iranian government very suspicious,' he said.

Mr Williams also noted the British have opened their embassy in Tehran to treat people injured in the demonstrations.

Suspicions that the British are helping to keep the protests going prompted the Iranian government to expel two British diplomats, prompting Britain to respond in kind Tuesday. -- AP