WANA (Jan 20) – The British Ambassador to Iran has departed Tehran following a period of heightened diplomatic friction. While the UK government maintains its diplomatic mission, it has officially transitioned to a “remote operations” model, conducting business from London or neighboring locations instead of the physical embassy in the capital.
Contrasting Interpretations of the Departure
According to Iranian media reports citing local officials, the Ambassador’s departure is linked to the recent publication of documents allegedly detailing financial support provided by the embassy to “rioters.”
These reports characterize the move as an attempt to “evade accountability” for what Tehran describes as “clear interference” in Iran’s internal matters.
In contrast, the UK Foreign Office and Western news agencies have attributed the shift to “escalating security concerns” and “uncertainty regarding the safety of diplomatic staff.” This follows a series of demonstrations held near the embassy premises.
Legal and Regional Context
This development occurs alongside a stern warning from Iran’s Chief of Judiciary, who recently stated that no clemency would be shown to individuals linked to foreign intelligence services.
The transition to remote work follows several instances where the British Ambassador was summoned by Iran’s Foreign Ministry to address the insult to the Iranian flag following the attack by law-breaking individuals on Iran’s embassy in London
Wider Diplomatic Movement
The New Zealand Embassy in Tehran has announced that it has temporarily suspended its operations and evacuated its staff from the country. The embassy also stated that citizens can contact them through the New Zealand Embassy in Turkey.
Meanwhile, the French Embassy has announced that it remains operational in Tehran but has scaled back its activities, focusing solely on essential matters, including security issues and the protection of the French community residing in Iran.
At the same time, on Sunday, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that no embassy has been closed, stating that some embassies have temporarily relocated part of their staff from Tehran due to concerns or issues caused by internet disruptions. He added that embassy operations in Tehran are continuing and that the disruptions are temporary and limited to specific circumstances.