Russia Evacuates Citizens Amid Rising Tensions in Iran and Israels Military Strikes

On Sunday, Russia announced that it had evacuated some of its citizens from Iran and temporarily ceased operations at its consulate in Tehran in response to Israeli attacks that led to missile retaliation against Israel.

“The consular services at the embassy will be suspended temporarily due to the ongoing situation. We will announce the resumption of consular activities at a later date,” the Russian embassy in Tehran stated via Telegram.

Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova mentioned that members of the Tchaikovsky Grand Symphony Orchestra were among those evacuated from Iran.

“The musicians crossed the border into Azerbaijan. Furthermore, on Saturday, Fyodor Bondarchuk’s film crew also exited Iran through the same route,” she stated on Telegram, referring to the notable Russian filmmaker and actor.

In light of recent events, Russia’s civil aviation authority instructed airlines to halt flights to Iran and Israel and to steer clear of their airspace—as well as the airspace of Jordan and Iraq—at least until June 26, following travel advisories issued on Friday.

Israel launched significant military strikes against Iran’s military and nuclear sites early Friday, asserting that its goal was to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

In retaliation, Iran has launched multiple missile strikes targeting Israel.

President Vladimir Putin, maintaining connections with both Iran and Israel, denounced Israel’s military actions and cautioned against a “dangerous escalation” in the Middle East.