Italy сloses Tehran embassy, moves operations to Baku

Italy has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and will continue the mission’s operations from Baku, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

According to Report News Agency, Tajani stated that the decision was taken for security reasons as the situation in the region remains tense.

He said that a group of about 50 Italians connected to the embassy has already crossed the border from Iran into Azerbaijan.

“For security reasons, we have closed the Italian embassy in Tehran. A group of around 50 Italians, led by our ambassador to Iran, has already crossed the border into Azerbaijan. We will continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Tehran in order to protect the Italians who remain in Iran and to safeguard our national interests. The embassy will continue operating from Baku,” Tajani said.

Earlier, a correspondent from Report’s southern bureau reported that eight Italian diplomats had been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan through a border checkpoint. Among those evacuated was Italy’s ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei.

By Tamilla Hasanova