The Netherlands closes its embassy in Tehran due to tensions between Israel and Iran

Due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to close the embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran tomorrow. The consulate in the Iraqi city of Erbil will also remain closed as a precaution.
Normally both posts are open on Sundays because that is the start of the working week. "People who had an appointment have been or will soon be informed that it has been rescheduled," the ministry writes. This mainly concerns appointments from people who want to apply for a visa to travel to the Netherlands.
Other activities of the diplomatic missions will continue. "The safety of employees has the highest priority," the statement said.
It is not the first time that the Netherlands has closed an embassy or consulate as a precaution. For example, the consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul was temporarily closed a year ago after a Koran was torn up in front of the Turkish embassy in The Hague. Due to subsequent threats, the post was closed.
Earlier this week, the US Embassy in Israel banned employees from traveling through Israel. Russia, France, Canada and Australia have advised their citizens not to travel to Israel.
US President Biden has again warned of an impending attack by Iran on Israel. Biden told reporters in Washington that he expects that attack "sooner rather than later." Last Wednesday, the president said that Iran is threatening "a significant attack."
He now told journalists in Washington that he does not want to release sensitive information about it. He further addressed Tehran: "Don't do it," he said. "We are committed to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel, we will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed."
The United States has rushed warships into position to protect Israel and American forces in the region and in hopes of averting Iran's attack.
(Source: NOS.nl)