Dutch diplomatic missions in Iran, Iraq to be closed on Sunday

THE HAGUE -- The Dutch Foreign Ministry said Saturday that its embassy in Tehran, Iran as well as its consulate-general in Erbil, Iraq will be closed to the public on Sunday.

The decision was made as a precaution due to the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, said the ministry in a statement.

On Sunday the ministry will decide whether to open the consular desks on Monday, it said.

The statement explained that all Dutch diplomatic missions in the region are closed to the public on Saturdays. The missions in Tehran and Erbil would normally be open to the public on Sunday, which is the first day of the working week in countries in the region.

Meanwhile, Dutch flag carrier KLM said in a statement on Saturday that it will immediately stop flying over Iran, and Israel, except for flights to Tel Aviv.