On Tuesday, November 29th, hundreds of Iranian protesters stormed the British Embassy in Tehran as well as a diplomatic compound known as Qolhak Gardens and located in northern Tehran. Demonstrators were protesting against the new sanctions voted by the United Kingdom over the controversial Iranian nuclear program. Protesters smashed windows, set on fire a diplomatic car and caused the panic among the British embassy staff. However, despite de violence, no one was injured. The demonstrators, most of them students, clashed with security forces outside the British embassy. More demonstrations against western countries could erupt without warning.
After this attack, which has been condemned by several western countries (USA, France…), the United Kingdom decided to evacuate parts of their diplomatic staff from Iran. In the same vein, Norway decided to shut its Tehran embassy due to "security concerns" but it is not evacuating its staff from the country. Tuesday’s attack follows the approval of a bill by the Iranian Parliament on November 27th, to downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK and to expel the British Ambassador within 15 days. The British embassy’s assault is likely to further worsen bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Iran.
Travellers must be aware that several western embassies advice their citizens against all non-essential travel to Iran. Keep a low profile during your stay and listen to all recommendation given by your consular representation in Iran. Avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations as they might turn violent at short notice.
