WANA (Aug 18) – The German Embassy in Tehran announced on Monday that it remains open, dismissing recent speculation about its closure.

 

In a statement published on its official Instagram page, the embassy said that after a temporary relocation abroad, German diplomats have resumed their work in Tehran.

 

It added that the mission is currently operating with a limited number of staff, which has affected its capacity to process visa applications.

 

According to the announcement, priority is being given to applications submitted before June 13. Applicants will be contacted individually based on the date of their submission.

 

The embassy urged the public to follow updates exclusively through its official website and social media accounts, warning against reliance on unverified sources.

 

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected reports that the embassies of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom in Tehran had been shut down. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, he said:

 

“These claims have been circulating for about two weeks and resurfaced yesterday after news of the German ambassador’s farewell. Such rumors are aimed at creating tension in society. None of the three embassies in Tehran has been closed.”

 

He explained that while some embassies may have reduced or limited certain consular services due to the wartime situation, this does not amount to closure. Baghaei stressed that all three missions remain active and operational.

 

This move comes after earlier reports indicated that the closure of several embassies during the recent 12-day war created major challenges for visa applicants.

 

According to those reports, the passports of an estimated three to four thousand Iranian citizens remain stuck inside various embassies, leaving many — particularly students and athletes — facing serious difficulties in leaving the country.

 

Omid Mohammad Alikhan, a member of the Association of Iranian Travel Agencies, noted that consular operations at many embassies have not yet returned to normal.

 

For example, the Swiss Embassy has suspended the issuance of tourist visas, the French Embassy is operating with restrictions, the South African Embassy remains closed, the Brazilian Embassy has not yet reopened, and the Japanese Embassy has announced it will resume services in the coming days.