UK withdraws embassy staff from Iran over security concerns

LONDON, Jul 23: The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Iran due to the deteriorating security situation, while continuing to advise British nationals against travelling to the country.

In updated travel advice issued on Wednesday, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the move was a precautionary measure, adding that the British embassy in Iran would continue operating remotely.

The FCDO reiterated its advice against all travel to Iran and urged British citizens already in the country to carefully consider whether to remain.

It also warned that British and dual British-Iranian nationals face a very high risk of arrest, detention and questioning, saying that holding a British passport or being perceived as having links to the UK could be sufficient grounds for detention by Iranian authorities.

The department said the security situation across the Middle East remains unpredictable, citing recent strikes and retaliatory attacks since July 8 that have heightened the risk of further escalation. It also cautioned travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions.

The FCDO added that UK government support in Iran is currently extremely limited, and that no face-to-face consular assistance would be available in the event of an emergency.