The United Kingdom on Friday announced the temporary withdrawal of its embassy staff from Iran, citing escalating security concerns amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, now in its eighth day.
“Due to the current security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw our UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The move comes as the region faces heightened instability following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches, developments that have prompted several countries — including the UK, Australia, and European allies — to evacuate diplomatic personnel or prepare emergency plans.
Earlier, the UK had also withdrawn family members of staff from its embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem, citing similar security concerns amid the intensifying exchanges between Iran and Israel.
The decision to pull out staff comes amid heightened diplomatic activity. Foreign Minister David Lammy is in Geneva pushing for a peaceful resolution, while allied fighter jets increase patrols across the region to reassure partner nations.
Despite the evacuation, the UK confirmed that “our embassy continues to operate remotely,” maintaining contact with British nationals still in Iran.
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