ISTANBUL

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard urged citizens to leave Iran on Friday amid the growing risks of escalation in the region.

"The situation in Iran and in the region is highly uncertain. I therefore wish to emphasize the importance of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' advisory against all travel to Iran, and the urgent appeal to Swedish citizens who are in the country to leave," Stenergard wrote on US social media platform X.

Stressing that it is still possible to leave Iran via air travel and border crossings, she noted that Swedes should leave while the opportunity exists.

"A significant personal responsibility rests with those individuals who choose to remain in Iran. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will not be able to assist with evacuation from Iran," Stenergard added.

The warning came after US President Donald Trump said Friday that he was "considering" a limited military strike to pressure Iran into a deal, without giving details, as the US has been stepping up its military presence in the region.