LONDON: The United Kingdom (UK) has temporarily withdrawn diplomatic staff from Iran due to the deteriorating security situation, while keeping its embassy operations running remotely, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Wednesday.
The move was described as a precautionary measure amid growing concerns over regional instability and the possibility of further escalation in the Middle East.
“Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely,” the FCDO said in updated travel guidance.
The British government again advised its citizens against all travel to Iran, urging those already in the country to carefully assess whether they should remain.
The FCDO warned that British nationals and dual British-Iranian citizens face a “very high risk” of arrest, detention and questioning by Iranian authorities.
It cautioned that holding a British passport or having perceived links to the UK could be sufficient grounds for Iranian authorities to detain individuals.
“The security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable,” the FCDO said, adding that recent strikes and retaliatory attacks since July 8 had increased the risk of further escalation.
The advisory urged British nationals in the region to prepare for possible travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, airspace closures and other restrictions.
The FCDO also highlighted that UK government assistance in Iran remains “extremely limited”, with no possibility of providing face-to-face consular support during emergencies.
Despite the withdrawal of staff, Britain said its diplomatic presence in Iran would continue remotely as it monitors developments and assesses the security situation.
