UK eases travel advice for Iran visits as relations thaw

London - The new advisory issued Saturday still urges Britons to avoid traveling to parts of Iran that border Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The British Foreign Office has eased its travel advisory on visits to Iran but urges caution.
The new advisory issued Saturday still urges Britons to avoid traveling to parts of Iran that border Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it no longer urges Britons to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the change is a result of the more constructive approach favored by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. He said there has been "decreasing hostility" toward Britons under Rouhani's government.
The advisory still suggests that potential travelers "carefully consider the risks" of Iran travel. The easing follows announcement of a deal between Iran and major world powers regarding Iran's nuclear program.
The British Embassy in Iran remains closed.