JUNE 20, 2025 — As the security situation in Iran continues to deteriorate due to ongoing regional conflict and fears of escalation, several countries have announced the temporary closure of their embassies in Tehran and directed their staff to leave the country.
On Thursday, Australia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic became the latest nations to halt embassy operations in the Iranian capital. These decisions reflect increasing concern over the safety of diplomatic personnel and foreign nationals amid the Israel-Iran conflict entering its second week.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that her government has ordered the departure of all Australian officials from its Tehran mission. In an official statement, Wong said, “Due to the worsening security environment, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend operations at our embassy in Tehran.”
Wong added that Australia’s ambassador will remain in the region to support the government’s crisis response. She also urged Australian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country if it is safe to do so. Additional consular staff are being deployed to neighboring Azerbaijan, particularly near border crossings, to assist Australians who may be seeking to exit Iran.
Similarly, the Slovak and Czech foreign ministries announced the temporary suspension of their diplomatic missions in Tehran, citing similar security risks. They join a growing list of countries — including Bulgaria, New Zealand, and Portugal — that have taken similar steps in recent days.
Diplomatic sources say that most embassies that remain open in Tehran have reduced staff and are operating under heightened security protocols. Several international flights out of Tehran have seen increased bookings, and airlines have begun rerouting or cancelling some services due to the volatile airspace.
These closures come at a time of increasing military activity in the region, with missile exchanges between Iran and Israel continuing daily and fears of broader regional involvement mounting. The diplomatic exodus further signals the international community’s deepening concern over the unpredictability of the conflict.
