Iran is one of the countries with the most extensive diplomatic network in the Middle East. Although official Tehran is represented by embassies in over 100 states, it does not have permanent diplomatic missions in all UN member countries. Relations with some countries have been completely severed, while in others, embassies have not been opened, and relations are conducted through non-resident ambassadors.
Modern.az has reviewed the countries where Iran does not have embassies or permanent diplomatic missions.
Israel
Iran has no diplomatic representation in Israel. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Tehran declared that it did not recognize Israel as a state, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were completely severed. No official contact exists to this day.
USA
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were suspended after the crisis in 1979, which resulted in the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran.
Currently, Iran does not have an embassy in Washington. Iran's interests in the US are represented through the Embassy of Pakistan. This is considered one of the longest-standing diplomatic ruptures in the Tehran-Washington line.
Canada
Canada announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012. Since then, mutual embassies have been closed and have not been restored to date.
Bahrain
Relations between Bahrain and Iran have strained several times due to political and security reasons. Diplomatic ties have been severed, and embassy activities have been suspended.
Morocco
Morocco has suspended diplomatic relations with Iran several times. Rabat declared the suspension of embassy activities, citing Tehran's activities in the region. Currently, there is no permanent embassy between the two countries.
Lithuania
Iran does not have a permanent embassy in Lithuania. The ambassador accredited to Lithuania operates from Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Consular services are primarily provided via Warsaw or Minsk.
Latvia
Diplomatic activities for Latvia are managed by the Iranian embassy in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.
Estonia
Diplomatic matters concerning Estonia are handled by the Iranian embassy located in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
In short, Iran does not have a permanent embassy in any of the Baltic countries. Relations are established through the embassies in Poland, Sweden, and Finland.
Small Island States and the “Non-Resident Ambassador” Model
Iran generally does not have embassies in a number of micro-states located in the Caribbean, Oceania, and Pacific Ocean regions. In these countries, diplomatic relations are usually conducted through an Iranian embassy located in another country in the region. This model is known in international practice as “non-resident accreditation” and is more commonly applied in countries with limited resources or those not considered political priorities.
