The ambassador of the United Kingdom to Iran is the United Kingdom's foremost diplomatic representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in charge of the UK's diplomatic mission in Iran. The official title is His Majesty's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Although Britain and Iran (originally Persia) did not enter into formal diplomatic relations until 1807, British and Iranians had been in informal contact since the early 17th century when the East India Company developed trade links with the Persian kingdom.[1] Initially, diplomatic missions comprised a legation until they were promoted to embassy status in 1943.
At various times in history during crises or disputes, Britain has had no diplomatic presence in the country, and has either relied on other nations as protecting powers, or has had a non-resident diplomat.
1844–1854: Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Justin Sheil, secretary of legation February 1836, Head of Mission 1839–44, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary 1844–54[2][3]
1847–49: Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farrant, chargé d'affaires[3]
In 1980 Britain closed its embassy in Tehran after a brief occupation of the compound in the wake of the Iran hostage crisis, the Iranian Embassy siege and was subsequently represented in the country by Sweden as a protecting power. Nonetheless, a small detachment of British personnel maintained a presence at the Swedish Embassy.
1982–1988: Michael Simpson-Orlebar followed by Christopher Macrae. In May 1986 Iran blocked the appointment of Hugh James Arbuthnott as head of the British Interests Section in the Swedish embassy in Tehran. This was in retaliation for Britain refusing to accept Hussein Malouk as Iranian chargé d'affaires in London, due to his participation in the 1979 student takeover of the U.S. embassy,
1988: Paul Andrew Ramsay Senior Visa Officer British Interests Section, Tehran
The British Embassy in Tehran was closed following an attack on the Embassy on 29 November 2011. Sweden represented British interests in Iran through a British interests section at the Swedish Embassy in Tehran.[10] On 11 November 2013 the UK government appointed a non-resident chargé d'affaires to Iran.
On 23 August 2015 the UK embassy in Tehran was reopened and the Chargé d'affaires moved to be resident there.[12] The Chargé d'affaires was made Ambassador in September 2016.[13]
^"UK for Iranians". Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link), British Embassy Tehran
