Responding to these charges in 2007, the British embassy spokesman said that Iran had not officially challenged Britain's ownership of Gholhak and stated, "As far as we're concerned, there is no question about their ownership." In July 2009, amid increased tensions between Iran and Britain following the disputed 2009 Iranian presidential elections, Iranian Brigadier General Mir-Faisal Baqerzade suggested that plans were underway to seize Gholhak Garden.