Eurasian countries advise citizens against travel to Iran amid Israeli-US attacks

ISTANBUL

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia on Saturday urged their citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran following joint US-Israeli attacks.

In a statement on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in Tehran urged its citizens to leave Iran and "remain vigilant, closely monitor official announcements and recommendations from the Embassy and Iranian authorities, and refrain from being near military and government facilities."

It also recommended that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to Iran until further notice.

“We also strongly recommend that Russian citizens and compatriots currently in Iran leave the country if possible,” the statement added.

Separately, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry urged its citizens to contact the diplomatic mission in Tehran in case of an emergency and recommended refraining from travel to Iran.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan called on its citizens to leave Iran via Azerbaijan or Türkiye and advised against traveling to the country.

“Our citizens are also asked to follow security measures, avoid mass gatherings, follow local authorities’ instructions, and monitor official information sources regularly,” a statement posted on US social media platform X said.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry recommended that citizens planning travel to countries in the region, including transit, check with airlines and tour operators for updated route information and refrain from traveling to conflict-affected countries.

In a later statement, the Tajik Embassy in Tehran urged the country's citizens in Iran to "remain calm, vigilant, and attentive."

"Citizens are strongly advised to closely follow official information and recommendations issued by the Embassy and the Iranian authorities, to avoid staying near military and government facilities," it said, advising those currently in Iran to leave the country using available means of transportation.

Israel and the US launched an attack against Iran early Saturday, citing alleged threats posed by the "Iranian regime."

The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Israel also initiated a 12-day war on Iran last June, with the US joining later and bombing three Iranian nuclear sites.