Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Abandoned Embassies in DC: A Tale of Political Tensions
Some embassies in Washington DC have been abandoned for years due to political tensions and changes in governments.
The Syrian Embassy recently reopened, while others like the Afghan and Iranian embassies remain closed, and the Russian trade delegation's mansion is closed due to election interference allegations.
The State Department is responsible for maintaining these empty buildings.
The Syrian Embassy in DC reopened after 11 years, symbolizing a shift in US policy.
The Afghan Embassy closed in 2022 after the Taliban takeover, leaving behind an unkempt building.
The Russian trade delegation's mansion in DC has been closed since 2016 due to election interference allegations.
The Iranian Embassy has been empty since 1980 due to strained US-Iran relations.
The State Department maintains 29 such abandoned buildings, including those of Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela.
- Who
- The governments of Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela
- What
- Closed their embassies in Washington DC due to political tensions and changes in governments
- When
- Over the past few decades, with the most recent being the Syrian Embassy's reopening in 2024
- Where
- Washington DC's Kalorama neighborhood
- Why
- Due to political tensions, changes in governments, and diplomatic disputes
US Government
Russian Government
Closure of Russian diplomatic properties
US Government
The US closed Russian diplomatic properties in response to alleged election interference.
Russian Government
Russia argues that denying access to inspect the grounds and buildings is illegal under the Vienna Convention and 'borders on theft'.
- Number of abandoned embassies
- 29
- Countries involved
- Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, Syria
- Reason for closure (Syria)
- Civil war and US government shutdown in 2014
- Reason for closure (Afghanistan)
- Taliban takeover in 2021
- Reason for closure (Russia)
- Alleged election interference in 2016
- Reason for closure (Iran)
- Islamic revolution in 1980