Malaysians in Iran told to evacuate immediately

Summary

• The Foreign Ministry advises all Malaysians to immediately leave Iran as the Islamic republic trades fire with Israel in response to military strikes.

• The ministry says the situation is highly volatile and may deteriorate further without warning.

Malaysians who are in Iran have been told to evacuate from the country immediately, following escalating tensions between the Islamic republic and Israel.

In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said that it is closely monitoring the security situation in Iran, via its Malaysian embassy there.

“Given the rapidly deteriorating conditions, all Malaysians in Iran are strongly urged to leave the country immediately by any available means.

“The situation remains highly volatile and may worsen without warning. Malaysian citizens’ safety and well-being remain the ministry's utmost priority.

“At this time, the embassy is in constant contact with all registered Malaysians in Iran. At present, all have been confirmed safe and have been advised to depart the country without delay.

“The embassy will continue to provide the necessary consular assistance to facilitate their departure,” the ministry said.

The ministry said that given the heightened risks, it has also activated its operations room today. 

“Immediate family members of Malaysians in Iran may contact the ministry for further information at +603 8887 4570 or via email at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my,” it added.

According to reports, the early Friday morning strikes, which began last week, were carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces and its intelligence agency, Mossad.

The targets included nuclear facilities, the homes of senior military leaders, scientists, nuclear experts, as well as military bases and installations.

Israeli sources reportedly confirmed five waves of attacks involving hundreds of strikes across at least eight cities – including Tehran, Tabriz, Kermanshah, Natanz, Arak, Ilam, Isfahan and Ahvaz.

Among the casualties reportedly killed in the strikes were Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami, senior IRGC commander Gholam Ali Rashid, and Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who raised Malaysia’s condemnation, had called on Israel’s partners to apply maximum pressure to halt further aggression following the strikes on Iran.

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