Slovakia Temporarily Closes Tehran Embassy, Full Evacuation Friday
Slovakia Temporarily Closes Tehran Embassy, Full Evacuation Friday
Published by Living in Tehran Magazine | 21 June 2025
Slovakia has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran due to the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs announced on Thursday.
Embassy Closure Decision
🏛️ Temporary Closure
The remaining embassy staff are expected to leave Iranian territory on Friday as part of a full evacuation.
Foreign Minister’s Statement
Precautionary Measure
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) decided on the embassy’s temporary closure on Thursday as a precautionary measure.
🎯 Security Assessment
The embassy will remain closed until security conditions in Iran are deemed safe enough to allow the return of diplomatic personnel.
Emergency Contact Information
🆘 Crisis Operations Centre
Slovak citizens in crisis or in need of urgent consular assistance should call:
Foreign Ministry Crisis Centre:
International Crisis Operations Centre
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Evacuation Timeline
Friday Departure
The evacuation represents a complete withdrawal of Slovak diplomatic presence from Iran.
📅 Evacuation Schedule
Thursday:
- Foreign Minister’s closure decision announced
- Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs statement
- Evacuation preparations commenced
Friday:
- Complete staff evacuation from Iranian territory
- Full embassy closure takes effect
- Crisis operations transferred to Bratislava
Regional Evacuation Operations
Broader Middle East Response
Slovakia’s embassy closure is part of a larger evacuation effort across the region.
🌍 Regional Evacuation Context
In recent days, Slovakia has evacuated dozens of its citizens and foreign nationals from the Middle East in response to the intensifying conflict.
Closure Conditions
Return Criteria
The embassy’s reopening depends on security assessments and regional stability.
Reopening Requirements:
- Security improvement: Conditions deemed safe for diplomatic personnel
- Conflict resolution: Reduction in military escalation
- Regional stability: Overall Middle East security assessment
- Government decision: Foreign Ministry approval for return
Consular Services Impact
Service Suspension
📋 Service Availability
With the complete embassy closure, all in-person consular services in Iran are suspended. Slovak citizens requiring assistance must contact the Crisis Operations Centre in Bratislava.
Government Decision Process
Ministerial Authority
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár’s decision reflects Slovakia’s assessment of the deteriorating security situation.
Decision Factors:
- Military escalation: Ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran
- Staff safety: Protection of diplomatic personnel
- Regional instability: Broader Middle East security concerns
- Precautionary approach: Proactive rather than reactive measures
International Coordination
Multilateral Evacuations
Slovakia’s evacuation of foreign nationals alongside its own citizens demonstrates international cooperation during the crisis.
🤝 International Assistance
Slovakia’s evacuation operations have included:
- Slovak citizens from multiple Middle East locations
- Foreign nationals requiring assistance
- Coordination with international partners
- Regional evacuation planning
Crisis Management Structure
Operations Centre Role
The International Crisis Operations Centre serves as the primary contact point for Slovak citizens during the embassy closure.
Centre Capabilities:
- 24/7 availability: Continuous crisis response
- Consular coordination: Remote assistance provision
- Evacuation planning: Emergency departure arrangements
- Information dissemination: Updates for Slovak citizens
Temporary Status Emphasis
⏰ Temporary Closure
Slovakia emphasises the temporary nature of the closure, indicating intention to resume diplomatic operations once security conditions permit safe return of personnel.
Living in Tehran Magazine continues to monitor diplomatic responses to the crisis. Slovak citizens requiring emergency assistance should contact the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Operations Centre in Bratislava at +421 2 5978 5978.
Source: TASR
