The Afghan Embassy in the UK has officially closed, with a notice displayed on the gate of the consular section reading: “The embassy of the Republic of Afghanistan is closed.” While the country’s flag remained flying, no staff were present, and no one responded to inquiries at the embassy.
Earlier this month, Afghan Ambassador to the UK, Zalmai Rassoul, announced the closure on social media, stating that it would take place on September 27 “at the official request of the host country.” However, the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has denied involvement in the decision.
“This decision was not made by the UK government,” an FCDO spokesperson clarified. “The State of Afghanistan decided to close the Afghan Embassy in London and dismiss its staff. We continue to support the people of Afghanistan and provide humanitarian assistance to those most in need.”
The FCDO has not yet commented on whether a new Afghan ambassador would be accredited in London. The UK does not officially recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan and has no formal diplomatic relations with the regime. However, in line with the United States and the European Union, the UK acknowledges the need for pragmatic engagement with the current Afghan administration.
The consular section of the Afghan embassy in London had already ceased operations as of September 20, according to the embassy’s website.
Zalmai Rassoul, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shared a message from the German ambassador to the UK, who praised his Afghan counterpart and condemned the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls under their rule. The Taliban has enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law since their return to power in August 2021, severely restricting women’s rights and removing them from public life.
Despite the Taliban’s takeover, Afghan embassies worldwide—including those in the UK—had continued operating with staff loyal to the previous foreign-backed government. However, the Taliban’s foreign affairs ministry recently disavowed responsibility for diplomatic missions that remain out of step with the regime, including those in France, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
The Taliban now insists that Afghan citizens abroad engage with embassies aligned with the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”—the name they have adopted since seizing power. While no country has officially recognized the Taliban’s government, Pakistan, China, and Russia are currently hosting Afghan embassies that work in coordination with the Taliban regime.
Reports suggest that diplomats at the Afghan Embassy in London have been advised to leave the UK or seek political asylum. The UK’s diplomatic mission to Afghanistan, which does not operate in Kabul, is currently based in Doha, Qatar.
