The UK has pulled its Embassy staff out of Iran as fears over a war with Israel and military intervention from the US mount. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all travel to Iran due to the ongoing situation.

In an update on Friday, the FCDO said that all UK staff in Iran have been withdrawn and the embassy is working remotely. They have urged British nationals to “consider your presence” in Iran due to the risk of arrest or questioning. The FCDO said: “Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely.”

They added that having a British passport makes it more likely for the Iranian authorities to question you. The situation between Israel and Iran is continuing to escalate with the US considering military intervention.

The FCDO said: “FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

“British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”

Due to the ongoing conflict, the UK government is unable to help Brits who get into trouble in Iran. The FCDO said: “UK government support is extremely limited in Iran. No face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency.”

It comes as members of the UN Security Council are set to meet in New York to discuss the conflict between Israel and Iran. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the world is “racing towards” a crisis if the situation continues.

He said: “The expansion of this conflict could light a fire that no one can control.” He added: “Iran has repeatedly stated that it is not seeking nuclear weapons.

“But lets recognise there is a trust gap. I appeal to an end to the fighting and the return to serious negotiations.”

The UK government has confirmed that British citizens are to be evacuated from Israel. The Foreign Office has organised charter flights that will leave from the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the Government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens, based on levels of demand from British nationals.

“British nationals should register their presence in Israel and the OPTs to be contacted with further guidance on these flights.

“Land routes out of Israel remain open and UK staff are on hand to support British nationals who have crossed the border. This will include providing, transport – subject to demand – to nearby airports for onward commercial flights.

“We continue to push for a diplomatic solution to avoid a deepening conflict.”