ISLAMABAD (AP) — As conflict intensifies between Israel and Iran, numerous countries are conducting evacuations of their nationals through various means, including air, land, and sea. The escalating violence has led to widespread airspace closures across the Middle East, making it increasingly difficult for travelers to exit or enter the region.
Since the conflict reignited last week following Israel's surprise missile strikes on Iran, thousands of foreign nationals have successfully departed. Bulgaria has notably relocated all of its diplomats from Tehran to Baku, Azerbaijan, as Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced plans to temporarily close the embassy until the situation stabilizes. A group of 89 Bulgarians, alongside nationals from Slovenia, the U.S., Belgium, Albania, Kosovo, and Romania, were evacuated from Israel to Sofia, having been transported to Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh by bus.
China has reported the evacuation of over 1,600 citizens from Iran and "several hundred others" from Israel. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safe transfer of its citizens. A Chinese national in Isfahan described the situation as worrisome, recalling the sound of explosions, which prompted him and his friends to travel to Azerbaijan for safety. China plans to facilitate further evacuations by bus from Israel through the Taba border crossing to Egypt, with citizens encouraged to register online.
The European Union has assisted in evacuating approximately 400 individuals from Israel via Jordan and Egypt. The European Commission announced that it co-finances 75% of transport costs for these evacuations. Member states, including Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, and Poland, have sought additional support amid the ongoing crisis.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reported that France is assisting its citizens in leaving Iran and Israel, encouraging travel to Armenia and Turkey, where visas are not required. Those unable to reach borders on their own will be escorted by convoy. French nationals in Israel can also depart via Jordan and Egypt, with buses set to transport them to airports from the Israeli border starting Friday.
Germany successfully evacuated 171 individuals from Amman on a special flight, with plans for ongoing operations as additional flights were scheduled. However, German officials decided against organizing convoys, citing security concerns for citizens scattered throughout Israel. Meanwhile, Greece has facilitated the evacuation of 141 Greek nationals, along with other foreign nationals, from Israel via Egypt.
India has reported the evacuation of 110 students from northern Iran to Yerevan, Armenia. The Indian Embassy in Iran is actively assisting its nationals in relocating to safer areas within the country amid heightened tensions.
As for Israeli nationals, the Israeli Tourism Ministry reported that around 22,000 holidaymakers have requested assistance to leave the country. Reports indicate that approximately 38,250 Israelis returned home between June 13 and 19, with daily departures facilitated by multiple flights.
In addition, Oman has evacuated 245 citizens and nationals from other countries, transporting them from Iran's northern regions into Turkey and Iraq. Indonesia's government, concerned about the safety of its citizens—primarily students—has announced plans to evacuate around 386 nationals residing in Iran.
Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya confirmed the safe evacuation of 87 Japanese nationals to Azerbaijan and Jordan. The government is preparing for further evacuations and has dispatched aircraft to Djibouti, ready for potential airlifts should airports reopen.
Poland is running military aircraft evacuations for its citizens, having successfully transported 160 individuals from Israel, while South Korea has evacuated 18 nationals from Iran, ensuring their safety as airspace closures approached. Thailand has advised its citizens to leave Tehran as soon as possible but currently has no immediate evacuation plans.
The U.S. State Department is also working on evacuation plans for American citizens through air and cruise ship options, with around 700,000 Americans in Israel and numerous others in surrounding areas. This multifaceted effort highlights the critical responses from countries worldwide as they prioritize the safety of their citizens amidst ongoing conflict.
