UK's Iran ambassador Sir Simon Gass takes up Nato post

The UK ambassador to Iran is to leave his post in Tehran to take up a new role working for Nato in Afghanistan.

As a senior civilian representative in the war-torn country, Sir Simon Gass will lead Nato's civilian reconstruction efforts.

The post, which he takes over from Mark Sedwill, formally begins in April.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said the move came at this "critical time as we move towards the start of the transition process".

"Simon's extensive experience and knowledge of the region will stand him in good stead for the challenges which lie ahead," he added.

The role includes representing the political leadership of the alliance in Kabul, both officially and publicly, and making sure governance and development work is closely coordinated with efforts from the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf).

Nato's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: "Ambassador Gass is a highly qualified diplomat who will bring a regional perspective to this important post.

"He knows how important the civilian and political aspects of Nato's engagement in Afghanistan are, as Afghans start taking the lead for their own security in the first half of this year."

Sir Simon worked as British ambassador to Greece and deputy high commissioner to South Africa, before being posted to Iran in 2009.