Khaberni - The region is witnessing a notable escalation in international warnings and precautionary measures, which reflects the growing tension between Iran and the United States and the potential expansion of confrontation in the Middle East. Several countries, including the United States, China, Britain, and France, have rushed to issue warnings to their nationals and reduce their diplomatic presence in some countries, a step that reflects fears of a potential security deterioration. This comes amid escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Washington, with estimates that any direct confrontation could extend its repercussions to other regional arenas, raising the level of international concern and prompting governments to take preventive measures to protect their citizens.
The US Embassy in Israel, in a post on the X platform today Friday, stated that the United States has authorized the departure of some of its embassy staff and their families from Israel due to security risks. The embassy added that it may impose further restrictions on travel for US government employees and their families to specific areas in Israel and the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank without prior notice, and advised American citizens to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are still available.
China also urged its citizens on Friday to leave Iran "as soon as possible" and requested its nationals in Israel to boost their preparedness, pointing to a significant rise in security risks in the Middle East. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on social media: "Chinese citizens currently in Iran are advised to enhance safety measures and depart as soon as possible".
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also warned that "in light of the current security situation in Iran, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and China's embassies and consulates in Iran remind Chinese citizens of the need to avoid traveling to Iran at this time". It added that Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries would provide "necessary assistance" to Chinese citizens seeking to travel either by commercial flights or land.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel similarly warned Chinese citizens, urging them to be cautious and enhance their preparedness for emergencies and to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, according to the official television channel "CCTV". The embassy instructed nationals to "familiarize themselves in advance with nearby shelters and evacuation routes to ensure personal safety and property protection", according to the channel.
The German Foreign Ministry advised its nationals on Friday not to travel to Israel, with continued American threats of military strikes against Iran.
The ministry said on its website "it is strongly advised not to travel to Israel and to East Jerusalem as well".
For its part, the United Kingdom, today Friday, reported that it has temporarily withdrawn its staff from Iran due to the security situation in the region. The British Foreign Office stated that its ability to assist British nationals is now very limited, as the embassy is operating remotely and no consular services offered by staff directly are available even in emergencies. The Foreign Office also advised British nationals not to travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories unless absolutely necessary, and the Foreign Office announced that it had relocated some members of its diplomatic staff outside of Tel Aviv, where its embassy in Israel is located.
The Polish Foreign Ministry, in posts on the social media platform "X" today Friday, urged its nationals to leave Iran, Israel, and Lebanon immediately due to the tense situation in the Middle East. It stated in three posts concerning Iran, Israel, and Lebanon "The security situation in the Middle East is unstable. The risk of escalation is high! The airspace might be closed to civilian air traffic. Returning by air could be impossible or extremely difficult".
The ministry stated on its website "As a precaution, we temporarily relocated part of our staff and their families from Tel Aviv to another location in Israel. Our embassy continues to operate normally", adding that "the situation can deteriorate rapidly and poses significant risks".
For its part, the French Foreign Ministry, today Friday, reiterated its advice to its nationals not to travel to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank even for tourism or family visits due to the security situation in Iran, and recommended on its website that French nationals there be extremely cautious and vigilant, stay away from demonstrations and gatherings, and familiarize themselves with shelter locations.
This comes just a few days after similar measures were taken by the US Embassy in Beirut. A diplomatic source at the embassy said that "on Monday (last week), some staff at the embassy and their families, not charged with essential tasks, had departed the country in the morning", noting that "this measure is part of the temporary precautionary actions typically taken under the delicate circumstances that the region and the area are experiencing; while keeping the essential staff at the embassy".
