Canada urges citizens to leave Iran as regional tensions escalate
Canada has called on all its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately, warning that deteriorating security conditions across the Middle East could lead to renewed hostilities without notice. Global Affairs Canada issued the updated advisory on Friday, urging travelers to ensure their documents are valid, maintain sufficient supplies, and be prepared to shelter in place if necessary.
The warning aligns with a growing list of similar notices from other governments. China also advised its nationals to evacuate Iran “as soon as possible,” citing rising external threats. The United States authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential staff from its embassy in Israel, while European countries including Germany, Poland, Sweden, and Finland cautioned their citizens to avoid travel to Iran or the wider region. Several of these nations specified that evacuation assistance could not be guaranteed in a crisis.
The renewed urgency follows the collapse of indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman. Although Omani officials said “significant progress” had been made, the negotiations ended without an agreement. Washington reportedly demanded Tehran dismantle its main nuclear facilities and surrender enriched uranium stockpiles, conditions Iran’s foreign minister described as “unacceptable.” Further discussions are expected next week in Vienna.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed its largest military presence in the Middle East since 2003, positioning two aircraft carrier groups and advanced fighter jets near the region. According to the Military Times, this buildup aims to deter potential escalation following months of confrontation between Israeli and Iranian-aligned forces.
For Canadians still in Iran, exit routes remain limited but open. Commercial flights continue on select carriers, and overland crossings into Turkey are available, as Canadian citizens do not require a visa for entry. However, with Canada’s embassy in Tehran closed since 2012, Ottawa acknowledged its capacity to assist citizens within the country is “extremely limited.”
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