Finance
Britain temporarily closes embassy in Tehran
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 14, 2026
Britain temporarily closes embassy in Tehran
UK Embassy Closure and Security Measures
LONDON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The British embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed, the government said on Wednesday.
Reasons for Embassy Closure
"We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely. Foreign Office travel advice has now been updated to reflect this consular change," a government spokesperson said.
Impact on Consular Services
Britain's ambassador and all consular staff were evacuated based on a security assessment and a decision to prioritise staff safety, a British official said.
Regional Security Context
The move comes as Iran's leadership tries to quell the worst domestic unrest the Islamic Republic has ever faced, and with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to intervene.
Britain and the United States withdrew some personnel from bases in the Middle East after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.
(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper and William James, Editing by Franklin Paul and Will Dunham)
Frequently Asked Questions about Britain temporarily closes embassy in Tehran
1What is an embassy?
An embassy is a diplomatic mission located in a foreign country, representing the home country and providing services to its citizens abroad.
2What is security in finance?
In finance, security refers to a financial instrument that holds some form of monetary value, such as stocks, bonds, or options, and can be traded.
