Ukrainian Embassy in Iran temporarily suspends operations due to 'worsening security situation'

​​​​​​​By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Ukrainian Embassy in Iran temporarily suspended operations Friday due to a “worsening security situation,” the diplomatic mission announced.

“The resumption of the Embassy's activities, as well as further actions and possible changes, will be announced later,” it said in the statement.

The diplomatic mission urged Ukrainians not put themselves in danger.

On Dec. 8, the embassy urged Ukrainian nationals to leave Iran amid widespread protests that began Dec. 28 in Tehran about the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions.

The demonstrations later spread to other cities.

Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties or detainees. But a US-based human rights group said at least 2,677 people were killed during the protests and nearly 19,100 detained.

Iran has yet to publish an official toll.