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UK Temporarily Withdraws Diplomats from Iran Amid Fears of Middle East Escalation

Gwak Sang-eun

Published : Jul 23, 2026 3:14 PM


▲ Union Jack

The British government has temporarily withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Iran as armed engagements between the United States and Iran intensify.

According to agencies such as Germany's dpa, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated in a statement on the night of the 22nd, local time, "Due to the security situation, we have temporarily withdrawn our staff from Iran."

Although the British government has evacuated its local diplomatic personnel from Iran, embassy operations are continuing remotely.

The FCDO also advised British nationals and dual nationals traveling between the UK and Iran to avoid all travel to the country, warning that they face risks such as arrest, interrogation, and detention.

The British government took similar measures just before the outbreak of the war between the US-Israel and Iran in February of this year.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated as the US military has carried out airstrikes against Iran for 12 days on the grounds that Iran attacked commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has retaliated by attacking US military facilities in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering expanding the war with Iran, having ordered a massive buildup of fighter jets, missiles, and medical personnel in the Middle East region.
 
(Photo: Getty Images)