The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran due to growing security concerns as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its eighth day.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 UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Friday.
The decision followed a surge in regional instability triggered by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches.
The escalating hostilities have prompted several countries, including the UK, Australia, and various European allies, to evacuate diplomatic personnel or activate emergency contingency plans.
Earlier, the UK had also evacuated family members of its staff from the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem, citing similar security threats amid the intensifying conflict.
The withdrawal came amid increased diplomatic and military activity.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, currently in Geneva advocating for a peaceful resolution, while allied fighter jets have stepped up patrols to reassure partner nations in the region.
Despite the evacuation, the UK government confirmed that its embassy in Iran continues to function remotely and remains in contact with British nationals still in the country.
