Iran has sent a formal letter to the British Embassy inTehran protesting an alleged incident in which British troops surrounded anIranian consulate in Iraqand fired shots into the air, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported Sunday onits Web site.

Britainhas denied any aggressive action, saying the shooting was an exchange ofgunfire after British troops on a foot patrol near the Iranian consulate wereambushed.

In the note, Iranreportedly asked Britainto prevent such actions in the future and to respect international lawsregarding diplomatic buildings, according to IRNA.

The British Foreign Office had no immediate comment.

The shooting incident allegedly occurred in Basra on Thursday and was reported by IranianConsul-General Mohammed Ridha Nasir Baghban, who said British forces hadengaged in a "provocative act."

The IRNA report did not clearly state when the letter was delivered.