The German government has temporarily relocated the staff of its embassy in Tehran. The reason is the escalating threat situation due to ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The embassy's reachability remains ensured.
The German government has temporarily moved the staff of its embassy in Tehran to safety due to the heavy US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The Foreign Office in Berlin stated that the relocation is due to the threat situation and is necessary to ensure the safety of the employees. The embassy's reachability remains ensured, but consular support is already restricted, as the visa office is temporarily closed. An initial reduction of staff had taken place in mid-January.
According to the German Press Agency, the personnel was evacuated over land to a neighboring country, presumably via Azerbaijan, as with other embassies. Ambassador Axel Dittmann also left the country with the staff. The Foreign Office does not comment on details of the evacuation measures. Security has top priority and is constantly reviewed and adjusted in the government's crisis staff.
The context is the ongoing military operations: Israel has attacked Iranian oil facilities, including 30 oil tanks, and confirmed explosions in Tehran. US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with "complete destruction" and "certain death" for targets. The Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Ali Chamenei was killed, and the election of a successor is expected within the next 24 hours. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries, but attacks continue, drawing criticism from hardliners.
