Murray took this as an insult to the British legation; after demanding her release, Murray broke off diplomatic relations on 20 November. Anglo-Persian relations were already strained as the young Shah sought to annex the city of Herat, a goal which had eluded the Qajar dynasty previously; and Britain for its part sought to deny such control, lest the city, considered the "Key to India," fall under the influence of Persia's patron, Russia.
Murray's reaction to the incident was interpreted as an insult to the British legation; after demanding her release, Murray severed diplomatic ties on November 20th. Anglo-Persian relations were already tense due to the young Shah's ambition to annex Herat, a goal that had eluded the Qajar dynasty previously; and Britain sought to prevent such control, fearing that the city, considered "Key to India," would fall under Russia's influence.