UK Foreign Office withdraws embassy staff from Iran due to 'ongoing security situation'

The UK Foreign Office withdrew embassy staff from Iran on Wednesday due to the "ongoing security situation" and "unpredictable" Middle East. This followed US President Donald Trump's threat to "bomb and destroy" Iranian infrastructure if Iran attacked US ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK government noted a risk of further attacks and escalation, citing recent Iranian strikes against US targets in the region. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) also removed Israel from its "no travel" list in June, though it still advises against travel to Gaza, parts of the West Bank, and northern Israel. The FCDO warned British nationals in the Middle East to prepare for potential travel disruptions.