Escalating Tensions Between Iran and Israel: Countries Warn Their Citizens Against Travel and Withdraw Diplomatically
Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, prompting several countries to issue urgent security warnings to their residents in the region and withdraw some of their diplomatic staff and their families from both countries due to fears of an armed conflict.
* Exceptional Diplomatic Moves
In an unprecedented step, the United States, Britain, Canada, France, and several other countries began withdrawing non-essential diplomatic personnel and their families from Iran and Israel.
These countries also advised their citizens to postpone travel or leave the two countries immediately, amid expectations of conflicts erupting in the region.
The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a security notice allowing U.S. government employees and their families to leave the country to ensure their safety, warning of potential travel restrictions to specific areas including parts of Jerusalem, the Old City, and the West Bank.
At the same time, the Canadian travel guide advised citizens in Iran to leave immediately, warning of the possibility of conflicts resuming on short notice or without prior warning.
* Other Countries Warn and Act
• Britain: Temporarily withdrew its diplomatic staff from Iran and continues to operate remotely, relocating some of its employees and their families from Tel Aviv to safe locations within Israel, warning against travel to Israel and Palestine except in extreme necessity.
• Italy and France: Advised their citizens to exercise caution throughout the Middle East, emphasizing the need to leave Iran and Israel and not to travel to Jerusalem and the West Bank unless absolutely necessary.
• Australia, Germany, and China:Australia urged its diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave immediately, Germany advised its citizens against traveling to Israel, while China requested its citizens to leave Iran and enhance their preparedness in Israel.
• Belgium, Serbia, Poland, India, and Cyprus: Warned their citizens against traveling to Iran and Israel, citing a significant increase in security risks.
* Trump Threatens with Force Despite Negotiations
This coincided with statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed the possibility of continuing talks with Iran but emphasized his dissatisfaction with Tehran's position and his rejection of its possession of nuclear weapons.
Trump said: "We seek to reach an agreement with Iran, and we do not wish to use military force, but sometimes that is necessary."
* Background of Events
These moves come after a year of escalating regional conflicts, including the Iranian missile attack during the "12-Day War" in June 2025, which has made the region a powder keg and increased risks for both civilians and diplomats alike.
