Iraq crisis: Britain set to reopen embassy in Tehran

  

The move came as the West steps up its engagement with Iran amid rapid jihadist advances in neighbouring Iraq.

  

Jihadists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) are advancing on the Iraqi capital Baghdad after a week-long offensive which has seen them make key gains, including taking the second city of Mosul.

Spoken to Foreign Minister Zebari of #Iraq to discuss situation. Political unity within the country needed to confront the crisis.

— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) June 15, 2014

  

"I have therefore now decided the circumstances are right to reopen our embassy in Tehran. There are a range of practical issues that we will need to resolve first," Hague said in a written statement to parliament.

  

"However, it is our intention to reopen the Embassy in Tehran with a small initial presence as soon as these practical arrangements have been made."

  

His statement did not directly mention the situation in Iraq but noted that "Iran is an important country in a volatile region".

  

Britain closed its embassy in Tehran in 2011 after it was stormed by a mob, and suspended full diplomatic relations with Iran.