New Zealand Announces Closure of Its Embassy in Iran and Evacuation of Diplomats

SadaNews - New Zealand announced on Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran and the evacuation of its diplomats due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the diplomatic staff left Iran safely on commercial flights during the night. The operations of the Tehran embassy have been moved to Ankara, Turkey, due to the worsening security situation in Iran, according to the "French Press Agency".

The spokesman added: "We continue to advise against traveling to Iran. All New Zealanders currently in the country must leave immediately".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that its capacity to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Iran is "extremely limited".

The ministry's spokesman pointed out that severe communication difficulties hinder New Zealanders from contacting their families and friends in Iran, advising them to get in touch with their relatives whenever possible.