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 was offended by the incident and severed diplomatic ties with Persia on November 20th after demanding the release of her prisoner.  The Anglo-Persian relationship was already strained due to the Shah's desire to annex Herat, a city considered strategically important for British interests in India. Britain sought to prevent this annexation as it feared that if Herat fell under Persian control, Russia would gain influence in the region.