The rapid escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has forced Western governments to reassess the safety of their diplomatic missions in Iran. In a sign of the increasingly volatile security situation, the Italian government has decided to temporarily relocate its embassy from Tehran.
The move comes as airstrikes have intensified in central areas of the Iranian capital, raising fears of collateral damage and making the city increasingly unsafe for diplomatic staff.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the decision, explaining that the embassy’s operations would be transferred to Baku in neighbouring Azerbaijan.
“For security reasons we have decided to temporarily close our embassy in Tehran. Staff will relocate to Baku,” Tajani said.
The evacuation operation involved both diplomatic personnel and Italian citizens who had requested assistance in leaving the country. According to the minister, a group of around 50 Italians successfully crossed the Azerbaijani border under a coordinated security mission.
Tajani stressed that Italy is not the only country to take such measures, noting that several governments have either closed or relocated their diplomatic missions due to the deteriorating security situation.
He also clarified that the move does not mean a break in diplomatic relations with Iran. “We have not severed diplomatic ties. The embassy in Tehran will temporarily operate from our mission in Baku,” he said.
The relocation allows Italy to maintain a diplomatic presence close to the region while keeping personnel out of the immediate range of ongoing missile and drone attacks that are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.