Russia has announced the evacuation of some of its citizens from Iran and the temporary closure of its consulate in Tehran, citing rising tensions and escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Owing to the prevailing circumstances, the consular section of the embassy is temporarily ceasing operations,” the Russian Embassy in Tehran announced on Telegram on Sunday.
It further noted that information regarding the resumption of services would be provided in due course.
The evacuation involved members of the Tchaikovsky Grand Symphony Orchestra. Russia’s Culture Minister, Olga Lyubimova, confirmed that the musicians had crossed into Azerbaijan, noting that a film crew led by Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk had taken the same route out of Iran a day earlier.
Amid the escalating conflict, Russia’s civil aviation authority has instructed airlines to halt flights to Iran and Israel and to steer clear of their airspace—as well as that of Jordan and Iraq—until at least June 26. This directive follows official travel warnings issued last Friday.
These measures come in the wake of Israel’s early Friday strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear sites, which prompted Iran to retaliate with a series of missile attacks on Israeli cities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced Israel’s actions, cautioning that they risk triggering a “dangerous escalation” in the region. Russia, which maintains diplomatic ties with both Tehran and Tel Aviv, has called for restraint from all parties involved.
