Ukraine has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, citing deteriorating security conditions as protests continue across Iran, the mission announced via social media on January 16.

The announcement follows mass protests that erupted across Iran in late December 2025 following sharp currency depreciation and economic hardship. Iranian authorities characterised demonstrators as terrorists and blamed external forces, including the United States and Israel, for organising the unrest. Security forces are understood to have killed thousands during the crackdown, according to human rights organisations.

"Due to the escalation of the security situation, we inform you that the Embassy of Ukraine in the Islamic Republic of Iran is temporarily suspending its operations," the embassy stated on Facebook.

The mission advised Ukrainian citizens currently in Iran to follow previously published instructions and avoid putting themselves at risk. No timeline for resuming operations was provided, with the embassy stating additional information would be communicated later.

The closure follows similar decisions by the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Italy to evacuate diplomatic staff from Tehran as tensions mount over Iran's crackdown on demonstrations.

The UK withdrew its ambassador and all embassy personnel, whilst Italy removed staff except for some officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed Iranian protesters whilst condemning Tehran's support for Russia, stating the Iranian regime "has brought so much evil to Ukraine."

The Ukrainian government revoked the Iranian ambassador's accreditation in September 2022 and reduced diplomatic staff at Iran's Kyiv embassy.

US President Donald Trump warned of military action if killings continued, though he later suggested Tehran had halted planned executions.