People shout slogans during a protest outside the British embassy in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

British ambassador to Iran Robert Macaire, arrested by Iranian officials amid an anti-government protest earlier, has left the country after brief detention.

TEHRAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The British ambassador to Tehran has left the country by earlier notice, official IRNA news agency reported on Wednesday.

"Based on the diplomatic protocols, ambassadors and diplomats can go to their respective countries on leave or for any other purpose by submitting a note" to the country of their mission, said the report.

Accordingly, "British ambassador Robert Macaire has left Iran by earlier notice and in accordance with regulations," IRNA said.

A protestor holds a picture of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani during a protest outside the British embassy in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

On Tuesday, Iranian Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said that Britain ambassador to Tehran should be expelled from Iran over the alleged "participation" of the envoy in anti-government protests.

Iranian officials arrested Robert Macaire on Saturday amid an anti-government protest outside of a university in Tehran and detained him for more than an hour. He was eventually released. ■