Multiple countries issue advisories and urge citizens to leave Iran amid tensions with US, Israel | Check here

Even as Washington and Tehran signal interest in diplomacy, the US administration under Donald Trump has reinforced its military buildup in the Middle East

• Countries urge citizens to leave Iran due to rising tensions
• US and Israel conduct strikes on Iran, sparking emergency alerts
• Embassies in Iran close or limit services due to security risks

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Amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, several countries have started pulling out dependents of diplomatic staff and non-essential personnel from parts of the Middle East, while also urging their citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

Even as Washington and Tehran signal interest in diplomacy, the US administration under Donald Trump has reinforced its military buildup in the Middle East.

Israel declared an “immediate state of emergency” across the country after carrying out preemptive attacks on Iran, according to defence minister Israel Katz on Saturday. Sirens rang out nationwide as the strikes began, with reports indicating US involvement in the operation.

Here’s a look at the countries that have issued advisories –

UK: The UK has temporarily withdrawn its staff from Iran and closed its embassy, citing the security situation in the region. Britain's foreign office said its ability to assist British nationals was now extremely limited, and there was no in-person consular support available even in emergencies.

Germany: The German embassy warned that Iran’s security climate is unpredictable and could escalate into military conflict at any moment, adding that sudden airspace closures and flight suspensions cannot be ruled out.

India: The Indian embassy has recommended that its citizens exit Iran at the earliest, using any means of transport available. It also issued emergency helplines and requested the Indian nationals to register themselves with the Indian embassy.

Poland: Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged citizens to leave Iran without delay and avoid travel to the country. Separately, Poland’s foreign ministry called on citizens to immediately depart Israel and Lebanon.

China: China has also urged its citizens to evacuate from Iran “as soon as possible", citing a significant rise in security risks. “Chinese nationals currently in Iran are advised to strengthen safety precautions and evacuate as soon as possible," the foreign ministry said in a social media statement. It told citizens to avoid travelling to Iran for the time being “in light of the current security situation."

Sweden: The foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and leave the country immediately.

Serbia: Serbia has told its nationals in Iran to leave immediately due to increased tensions and the risk of a deterioration of the security situation.

South Korea: The South Korean embassy cited “rapidly escalating regional tensions” linked to the US-Iran standoff and urged its nationals to leave Iran at the earliest, while advising them to cancel or postpone any planned travel to the country.

Singapore: Singapore has advised its citizens to continue deferring all travel to Iran.

Brazil: Brazil last week recommended that its nationals depart Iran, after issuing a similar advisory for Lebanon in January. The government had already advised Brazilians against travelling to both countries last year.