The United Kingdom government has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation in the region amid escalating tensions with the United States.
The move comes after United States President Donald Trump threatened to “bomb and destroy” Iranian infrastructure, raising fears of further military escalation.
Despite the withdrawal of its diplomatic staff, the British government said its embassy in Tehran will continue to operate remotely until security conditions improve.
In a brief update published on its website yesterday, the UK Foreign Office said the security situation in the Middle East remains “unpredictable,” making it unsafe for British personnel to remain in Iran.
“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 Foreign Office said.
“We advise against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, whether resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.”
Earlier, Iran’s foreign minister warned of an “eye for an eye” response if President Trump follows through on his threat to bomb a bridge or power plant for every ship targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the US military said it carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran in the early hours of Thursday, including the first deployment of B-1 long-range bombers in several weeks.