The French foreign ministry issued a warning on Friday advising French visitors currently in Iran to depart the country promptly due to the increased risk of military escalation in the region. The ministry emphasized that Iran has been designated as a high-risk area on the travel advisory map, with a red alert in place advising against all travel to the country.
The heightened tensions stem from fears of retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel following the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran has accused Israel of being responsible for Haniyeh's death and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that it is Iran's duty to avenge the killing.
Reports from Iranian officials, as cited by the New York Times, suggest that Khamenei has ordered direct strikes against Israel in response to the assassination. Israel has not confirmed nor denied any involvement in the incident.
The escalating situation has raised concerns about the safety and security of foreign nationals in Iran, prompting the French government to strongly advise its citizens to avoid travel to the country. The potential for further hostilities between Iran and Israel underscores the volatile nature of the region and the need for caution.
