UK Reopens Embassy in Tehran

Nearly four years after protesters stormed the British embassy in Iran, triggering outrage in Britain and closure of the embassy, Britain is restoring its diplomatic presence in Tehran. 

UK Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond said he was “delighted” to be in Tehran for the reopening of the embassy. Hammond’s visit to Tehran is the first British ministerial visit in more than a decade.

Iran also reopened its embassy in London today, in a coordinated move reflecting improved relations between the two countries.

“Iran is, and will remain, an important country in a strategically important but volatile region. Maintaining dialogue around the world, even under difficult conditions, is critical,” Hammond said in a speech in Tehran marking the reopening of the embassy.

“Over the coming months, we will work to ensure that the nuclear agreement is a success, including by making sure that is fully implemented by all sides, and through this embassy’s efforts we will support British trade and investment, once sanctions are lifted. That will bring benefit for Britain and the Iranian people,” Hammond said. (CNN, 23 August)

Photo credit: UK Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond arriving at Mehrabad airport in Tehran to preside over the reopening of the British embassy; 23 August 2015 (Darren staples/Reuters)