British diplomats have been withdrawn from Iran as the war with Israel continues with more missile attacks.
Evacuation charter flights for Britons seeking to leave Israel will also start operating from Tel Aviv airport once airspace re-opens, No10 said on Friday.
But in a sign of a growing crisis in the Middle East, the Foreign Office announced that staff at its Tehran embassy, where the ambassador is Hugo Shorter have left.
An FCDO spokesman said: “Due to the current security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw our UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely.
“We take the protection of our staff and British nationals extremely seriously and we have long advised against all travel to Iran.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been working with the Israeli authorities on organising charter flights from Tel Aviv airport for British citizens in the country.
Israeli airspace is currently closed as the war with Iran continues.
Mr 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.”
The number of charter flights that will be put on will depend on how many British citizens want to leave Israel.
British nationals in Israel are being urged to continue to register with the UK authorities
For British citizens wanting to leave Israel by land routes, the Foreign Office stressed: “International land border crossings to Jordan and Egypt are open, but could close without notice and timings are subject to change.
“Before you travel check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.
“Commercial transport services to border crossings (eg taxis and bus transport) are operating, subject to safety alerts. Commercial flights continue to operate from airports in the region to various destinations, including the UK.”
The Foreigh Office urged British citizens in Israel to follow the advice from the country’s Home Front Command and the Israel government.
“Restrictions may be put in place at short notice,” it added.
The travel advice from the Foreign Office for this part of the Middle East adds: “If you are in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and not have access to Home Front Command continue to follow local instructions including from Palestinian Civil Defence (Call 102, or see www.pcd.ps or الدفاع المدني الفلسطيني Facebook). “
