Former Embassy of Iran in Washington, D.C.
The Former Embassy of Iran in Washington, D.C. was the Imperial State of Iran's diplomatic mission to the United States. Direct bilateral Iran–United States relations between the two governments were severed following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, and the subsequent seizure of hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran.
The complex is located in Washington, D.C.'s Embassy Row neighborhood. The embassy complex continues to be owned by the Government of Iran, but it has not been used by the Iranian government since April 7, 1980, and its buildings and grounds are currently maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Other properties include the residence of the Iranian military attache, 3410 Garfield Street NW, and the residence of the Iranian Minister of Cultural Affairs, 2954 Upton Street NW. Six of ten buildings are being rented.
The Shah of Iran attended numerous embassy functions there, and the last resident Ambassador was Ardeshir Zahedi. Many stars visited the embassy including Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Barbara Walters, and Frank Sinatra. This was documented in 2013 by Iranian artist Eric Parnes, the first person in over 34 years to photograph the interior of the embassy.
Iran is now represented diplomatically through the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United States located in the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C.
