LONDON – The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced the temporary withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Iran, citing escalating tensions and growing security concerns in the region following Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian targets.

In its updated travel advisory, the FCDO stated:

“The UK has taken the precautionary step of temporarily withdrawing staff from Iran. Our embassy in Tehran continues to operate remotely.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also shared a statement via the social media platform X, confirming that the government is preparing to organize charter flights from Tel Aviv for British nationals once the airspace is reopened. He urged British citizens in Israel to report their location via official channels to ensure they receive appropriate guidance and support.

ESCALATION IN THE REGION

On 13 June, Israel launched a large-scale offensive targeting multiple cities across Iran, including nuclear facilities and high-ranking military command centres. The attacks resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Chief of General Staff, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and nine nuclear scientists.

According to a 15 June statement by Iran’s Ministry of Health, the Israeli strikes killed 224 civilians and injured over 1,277 people.

In retaliation, Iranian armed forces launched ballistic missile strikes against Israel. These counterattacks reportedly resulted in 25 deaths and 2,517 injuries.

The international response has been swift, with many countries — notably Türkiye — issuing strong condemnations of Israel’s actions.