Global Alert: Foreign Ministries Issue Urgent Exit Orders Following Strikes on Iran

Major world powers have escalated their travel warnings to the highest possible level following Operation Epic Fury, a massive joint military strike by the United States and Israel launched on February 28, 2026.

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The security situation in the Middle East has reached a critical tipping point, with multiple foreign ministries now urging their citizens to leave Iran immediately while commercial options—though dwindling—still exist.

Current Diplomatic Advisories

Governments worldwide have moved to “Level 4: Do Not Travel” or “Immediate Evacuation” status:

• India: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its urgent advisory for the ~10,000 Indian nationals in Iran to depart. Emergency helplines have been activated at the Tehran embassy as the region braces for further escalation.
• United States: The State Department has issued a rare “Worldwide Caution,” warning of retaliatory violence against Americans globally and advising all citizens in Iran to depart via any available route.
• Singapore & GCC Nations: The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several Gulf states have advised their citizens to defer all travel to the region and remain vigilant as airspace closures become frequent.
• Canada & Germany: Both nations have advised citizens to shelter in place or depart, noting that diplomatic assistance may be severely limited due to the withdrawal of non-essential personnel.

The Conflict So Far

The military landscape changed overnight with the following events:

1. Operation Epic Fury: Launched in broad daylight, the U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted high-value command centers. Iranian state media has since confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking the end of a 37-year era.
2. Iranian Retaliation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Operation Truthful Promise 4, firing over 100 missiles and 200 drones. Targets included U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as civilian infrastructure in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi).
3. Regional Gridlock: The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed to commercial shipping, and major aviation hubs like Dubai International (DXB) have seen total paralysis.

Critical Safety Information for Travelers

• Communication: Large-scale internet and mobile blackouts are reported in Tehran, Isfahan, and Qom.
• Airspace: Iranian airspace remains closed to civilian traffic for indefinite windows. If you have a flight, confirm with your airline before heading to the airport.
• Emergency Contacts:
  • Indian Embassy Tehran: +98 912 810 9115 / +98 912 810 9109
  • U.S. Interests (Swiss Embassy): +98 21 2254 2178