1,262 Iranian citizens return home after suspension of direct travel routes

ISTANBUL

Some 1,262 Iranian citizens have returned to their country following the suspension of direct travel routes with Iran, the Iranian Consulate in Dubai said.

The citizens returned to Iran via alternative routes, including flights via Afghanistan and Armenia, the semi-official ISNA reported on Wednesday, citing the consulate.

The consulate said it does not have any dedicated programs for travel by ship or air for the time being.

The consulate’s statement comes amid media reports that the UAE has restricted the entry of Iranian nationals. The move was reportedly communicated through notifications by airlines Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai.

Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said a “comprehensive support package” has been prepared to safeguard the assets and interests of the Iranians in response to the reported UAE measures.

Investments transferred from "countries that have adopted hostile approaches" can benefit from special tax and customs incentives, while access to war-risk insurance is among the additional measures included in the package, Madanizadeh said in comments carried by the semi-official Fars News Agency.

The package also includes facilities such as allowing the entry and registration of capital without requiring a defined project in the initial stages, accelerating the issuance of investment permits, and granting time extensions to complete investment projects, he said.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation.