UK Withdraws Diplomatic Staff as U.S. Airstrikes Hit Iran

The United Kingdom has withdrawn all remaining diplomatic staff from Iran and advised against all travel to the country. This decision follows 12 consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes on Iran, signaling the collapse of a June 17 Memorandum of Understanding that had aimed to end the war within 60 days.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warned that British and British-Iranian dual nationals face a significant risk of arrest, questioning, or detention by Iranian authorities. Meanwhile, Iran retaliated against joint U.S.-Israeli strikes by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for international shipping.

President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. military campaign is designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In a related development on July 22, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a peaceful nuclear co-operation agreement, which may allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and develop a civilian nuclear program.