Chile to close its embassy in Iran by the end of August

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the Chilean government announced that it would close its embassy in Iran by the end of the month. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed the decision to the necessity of operational reorganization, efficient allocation of available resources, and an assessment of current security factors within the Middle East region.

Despite the closure of the diplomatic mission, Santiago clarified that diplomatic relations between Chile and Iran, which were established in 1942, will remain intact. President Jose Antonio Kast, who took office in March, stated that Chile must prioritize alliances with nations defending freedom and democracy. He further criticized what he termed the indiscriminate attacks by the Iranian regime against neighboring countries.

Since taking office, President Kast has sought to strengthen ties with the United States, notwithstanding the 12% tariffs imposed by Washington on Chilean imports. This move represents a shift in the administration's foreign policy focus, prioritizing strategic alignment with Western democratic partners over maintaining a physical diplomatic presence in Tehran.