The Netherlands has withdrawn its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran and closed its embassy in Tehran because of growing security risks, foreign minister Tom Berendsen has told parliament.

The embassy had already been closed to the public since March 1, but the remaining diplomats have now been relocated to Azerbaijan, where they will continue their work.

“This decision was taken because of the increasing risks to the safety of our staff,” Berendsen wrote in a briefing for MPs.

The minister said the withdrawal was carried out over the past few days. “The remaining diplomats who were still present have now safely arrived in Azerbaijan, where they will continue their activities,” he said.

The embassy in Tehran had already suspended most services earlier this month. Since March 1 it has no longer been possible to apply for visas there. The Dutch government has advised against all travel to Iran since October 2022.