Dutch embassy personnel evacuated to Azerbaijan as Tehran security risks mount

WEB DESK: The Netherlands has become the latest European nation to withdraw its diplomatic staff from the Iranian capital, citing an “unacceptable” increase in security risks to its personnel.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen confirmed that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure amid the escalating regional conflict.

According to officials, operations for the mission will now be handled remotely from Baku, ensuring that the Netherlands maintains a diplomatic presence in the region while removing its staff from the immediate line of danger.

European missions retreat to Baku amid regional escalation

The Dutch relocation follows similar moves by Denmark, Spain, Austria, and Italy, all of whom have temporarily transferred their embassy functions to the Azerbaijani capital in recent days.

While the embassy in Tehran has been closed to the public since early March halting all visa and consular services on-site Foreign Minister Berendsen noted that the situation is being monitored “on a minute-by-minute basis.”

He emphasised that a return to Tehran would only be considered once the security environment allows for the safe resumption of diplomatic activities, though no timeline has yet been established for such a move.