British embassy to reopen in Iran after four years
Philip Hammond is due to reopen the embassy in Tehran at the weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain is to reopen its embassy in Iran nearly four years after it was shut down due to a mob attack.
Philip Hammond will be the first UK foreign secretary to visit Tehran in 14 years this weekend, when it is understood he will officially reopen the embassy.
As reported by the Guardian, Mr Hammond’s visit will come soon after those from the French and Italian foreign ministers, Germany’s vice-chancellor and the EU’s foreign policy chief.
He will be accompanied by several members of the British business community, including Sir Simon Gass, who represented Britain at the marathon negotiations on the nuclear deal.
Iran reached an agreement on the future of its nuclear programme with the US and five other world powers on 14 July.
In 2011, the UK ambassador's residence and several embassy buildings on the complex were stormed by hardliners who objected to the UK's decision to impose harsh trade sanctions on the regime.
The mob included members of paramilitary brigades controlled by the Iranian military.
Protesters climbed the walls of the embassy, looted the living quarters and burned the British flag.
The reopened British embassy will initially be run by the non-resident Chargés d’Affaires, Ajay Sharma, and a new ambassador has been appointed but has yet been not announced.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments