The UK has temporarily withdrawn staff from its embassy in Tehran as the threat of US strikes against Iran prompts warnings from several countries to their citizens in the Middle East. The UK Foreign Office described it as a "precautionary measure" and stated that its embassy in Iran's capital continues to operate remotely.

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Israel informed some non-emergency staff and their families on Friday that they could leave the country. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee advised staff wishing to depart to "do so TODAY," according to The New York Times.

This follows talks between Washington and Tehran a day earlier, widely seen as a last-ditch effort to avoid war over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Other countries, including China, India, and Canada, have advised their citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible due to the prospect of hostilities.

The US and its allies suspect Iran is moving toward developing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has consistently denied. President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Tehran if it does not reach a deal on its nuclear program.

Indirect talks in Geneva on Thursday resulted in "significant progress," mediator Oman said, adding that further negotiations would take place soon.

Source: www.bbc.com