If you’re looking for a giant American flag flying over a building in Tehran today, you won’t find one. Honestly, the short answer is no—the United States does not have an embassy in Iran. Not a real one, anyway.
It’s been that way for over 40 years. If you’ve seen the movie Argo, you know the vibe of how it ended. But since 1980, the diplomatic space between Washington and Tehran has been a weird, hollow vacuum filled by "protecting powers" and a very famous museum that used to be a workspace for diplomats.
Does the US have an embassy in Iran right now?
Basically, the "embassy" is a ghost. Technically, the U.S. severed all diplomatic ties with Iran on April 7, 1980. This happened right in the middle of the Iran Hostage Crisis, where 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Since that moment, no U.S. Ambassador has set foot in the country in an official capacity.
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So, what do you do if you’re an American in Tehran and you lose your passport? Or what if you’re an Iranian trying to get a visa to visit family in Los Angeles?
You don't go to an American building. You go to the Swiss.
The Swiss Connection: How things actually work
Since there’s no direct line, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran acts as the "Protecting Power" for the United States. They have a tiny office called the Foreign Interests Section. It’s not a full embassy. They can’t give out visas. They can't do much beyond emergency paperwork for U.S. citizens or acting as a very formal, very slow mailbox between the two governments.
- Location: The Swiss Embassy is on Shahid Mousavi Street in Tehran.
- What they do: Notaries, emergency passports, and reporting births or deaths.
- What they DON’T do: Visas. If you’re Iranian and want a U.S. visa, you have to fly to Turkey, Armenia, or the UAE.
The "Den of Spies" and what happened to the old building
The actual former U.S. Embassy building is still there. It’s a massive complex in the heart of Tehran. But today, Iranians call it the "Den of Espionage" (Saneh-ye Jasoosi).
It’s a museum now. You can literally buy a ticket, walk inside, and see the old heavy-duty shredders the Americans used to destroy documents before the students climbed the walls in '79. The walls are covered in anti-American murals—think skulls and fractured flags. It’s pretty surreal. Parts of the compound are also used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) for training or administrative work. It’s basically the most awkward piece of real estate in the world.
Is there a "Virtual Embassy"?
The State Department got creative a few years ago and launched what they call the U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran. It’s basically a website (ir.usembassy.gov).
They built it to talk directly to the Iranian people without having to go through the government in Tehran. It’s got info on visas, student programs, and official U.S. policy. Of course, the Iranian government usually blocks the site, so most people in Iran have to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) just to see what the U.S. government is saying. It’s a digital bridge in a world where the physical ones were burned decades ago.
Does Iran have an embassy in the U.S.?
Nope. Same deal. The old Iranian embassy in Washington, D.C., is a beautiful, vacant building on Massachusetts Avenue. It’s currently being maintained by the U.S. State Department’s Office of Foreign Missions.
If Iran needs to do business in the U.S., they use the Pakistani Embassy. Inside the Pakistani Embassy in D.C., there is an "Iranian Interests Section." That’s where Iranian-Americans go to renew their passports or handle legal stuff from back home.
Why this matters in 2026
Relations haven't exactly thawed. In early 2026, things have remained incredibly tense. Recent travel advisories from the State Department are at a Level 4—"Do Not Travel." They’re literally telling U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately if they’re there.
Because there is no embassy, the U.S. government has almost zero power to help you if you get arrested. The Swiss can try to visit you in prison, but the Iranian government doesn't always recognize dual citizenship. If you're an Iranian-American, they just see you as Iranian. That means the Swiss (acting for the U.S.) might not even get in the door to see you.
Quick Facts at a Glance:
- Diplomatic relations severed: April 7, 1980.
- Protecting Power for U.S. in Iran: Switzerland.
- Protecting Power for Iran in U.S.: Pakistan.
- Nearest places for visas: Ankara (Turkey), Yerevan (Armenia), or Dubai (UAE).
Actionable Insights for Travelers and Dual Citizens
If you're even thinking about navigating this diplomatic mess, here’s what you actually need to do:
- Check the "Virtual Embassy": Before doing anything, check the official State Department site via a VPN if you're already in the region. The alerts change weekly.
- Register with STEP: If you are a U.S. citizen traveling near the border or in the country, you must sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It’s the only way the government knows you’re there.
- Use the Swiss for Paperwork: If you need a notary or a passport renewal while in Iran, don't look for a "U.S. office." Search for the Swiss Embassy, Foreign Interests Section in Tehran.
- Visa Hunters: Don't wait for a "Tehran office" to open. Start your application in Armenia or Turkey months in advance. The wait times for Persian-speaking officers in those locations are legendary.
The lack of an embassy isn't just a political statement; it's a massive logistical hurdle. Until those two flags fly in each other's capitals again, you're basically relying on the Swiss and a whole lot of luck.