Philip Hammond, the British Foreign Secretary, announced on Tuesday, February 23, that the visa and immigration services section of the British Embassy in Tehran has resumed operations. In a message on his Twitter account, he wrote: 'As promised six months after the reopening of the embassy in Tehran, the visa and immigration services section has begun operations today.' Hammond had previously announced the resumption of the visa services section during a meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif on February 5. In this context, Hossein Jaberi Ansari, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, also stated on Tuesday that in line with 'the implementation of previous agreements between the two countries,' the consular services section of the British Embassy will resume operations on Wednesday, February 24. Four years ago, following an attack by a number of Basij members on the British Embassy in Tehran, which resulted in the destruction of part of its property, the level of relations between Iran and Britain significantly deteriorated. Following this attack, the embassies of both countries were closed in both capitals. However, after the announcement of the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, relations between the two countries improved again, and with Philip Hammond's visit to Tehran, the embassy was reopened in September of this year. Despite the reopening of the British Embassy in Tehran, the visa issuance section of this embassy has still refrained from providing services, and Iranian applicants must go to a third country to apply for a visa. In this context, Hammond stated: 'Visa issuance at the British Embassy will begin in the coming months.' Rouhani commented on relations with Britain: 'Moving towards changing the historical judgment of the people.' The simultaneous reopening of the embassies of Iran and Britain in London and Tehran. Zarif's deputy: 'Iran and Britain relations will remain at the chargé d'affaires level.' The British Embassy in Tehran is expected to reopen 'at the beginning of next week.'
Hammond: The Visa Issuance Section of the British Embassy in Tehran Has Started Operations
British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond announced the resumption of visa services at the British Embassy in Tehran, fulfilling a promise made six months after the embassy's reopening. This development follows a period of strained relations due to past incidents but signals an improvement in diplomatic ties between Iran and the UK.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The British Embassy in Tehran has resumed its visa and immigration services, fulfilling a commitment made by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. This marks a significant step in improving diplomatic relations between Iran and the UK after years of tension.
- The British Embassy in Tehran was closed for four years due to an attack in 2011.
- Visa services were previously unavailable, forcing Iranian applicants to apply in third countries.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The UK and Iran have had a tumultuous relationship, particularly following the 2011 embassy attack. Recent diplomatic efforts, especially surrounding the nuclear deal, have aimed to improve ties.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%