Growing regional tensions push several European countries to move embassy operations from Tehran to Azerbaijan for safety.
WEB DESK: The Netherlands has evacuated its diplomatic staff from Tehran and relocated embassy operations to Baku, citing rising security risks in Iran amid escalating regional tensions.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen announced the precautionary move on Tuesday, saying the safety of diplomatic personnel had become a top concern as instability across the region intensifies.
According to the Dutch government, embassy functions will continue remotely from Azerbaijan’s capital, allowing the Netherlands to maintain diplomatic engagement with Iran while keeping its staff out of immediate danger.
The Dutch decision follows similar steps taken by several European countries. Denmark, Spain, Austria, and Italy have also shifted embassy operations from Tehran to Baku in recent days as security concerns grow.
The Dutch embassy in Tehran has already been closed to the public since early March, suspending visa processing and other consular services at the mission.
Berendsen said authorities are monitoring the situation “minute by minute” and emphasized that diplomats would only return to Tehran once security conditions improve.
For now, officials say the relocation ensures diplomatic continuity while reducing risk to staff as regional tensions remain unpredictable.
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