Several countries have begun withdrawing dependents of diplomatic personnel and non-essential staff from parts of the Middle East, while advising their citizens to defer travel to Iran, as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.
Governments across Europe, Asia and the Pacific have updated travel advisories in recent weeks, citing concerns over a potential deterioration in the regional security situation. The moves come amid heightened rhetoric and fears that instability could spread beyond existing flashpoints.
Australia has instructed dependents of its diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave, pointing to a worsening security environment. Canberra has also offered voluntary departures for dependents of Australian diplomatic staff in several Gulf countries. The government continues to advise Australians in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving while commercial travel options remain available.
Serbia has urged its nationals in Iran to depart as soon as possible, warning of rising tensions and the risk of further escalation. Similarly, Poland has called on its citizens to leave Iran immediately. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the security outlook could worsen rapidly.
The United States is also reducing its diplomatic footprint in the region. A senior State Department official confirmed that non-essential staff and eligible family members are being pulled from the US embassy in Lebanon as a precautionary measure linked to tensions involving Iran.
Sweden’s Foreign Ministry advised its citizens on 12 January 2026 to avoid all travel to Iran and to leave the country immediately. In February, the Swedish foreign minister said those who choose to remain should not expect government assistance with evacuation if the situation deteriorates.
India has also urged its nationals in Iran to leave using available means of transport, including commercial flights. The advisory was issued by the Indian embassy in Tehran on 23 February 2026 through a post on social media platform X.
Cyprus issued similar guidance on 13 January, advising citizens to avoid travel to Iran and to depart without delay. Singapore has told its citizens to continue deferring all travel to Iran.
The coordinated advisories reflect growing unease among governments about the stability of the region. While no large-scale evacuations have been announced, the withdrawal of diplomatic dependents and the tightening of travel guidance indicate that authorities are preparing for the possibility of further escalation. Officials in several capitals have stressed that the measures are precautionary and will be reviewed as the situation develops.
