French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has urged its nationals visiting Iran to leave immediately and strongly warned French citizens, as well as dual nationals, to refrain from traveling to the West Asian country for any purpose.
The warning was issued following the liquidation of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran accused Israel of the killing, while Israeli authorities have not officially acknowledged or denied any involvement.
The extermination of Hamas chief resulted in increased tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as Lebanon-based Hezbollah, with western media reports indicating that Iran may soon retaliate against Israel.
According to French Foreign Ministry, the latest travel warning was caused by the increased risk of military escalation in the region.
French nationals presently in Iran have been urged to “depart at the earliest opportunity,” according to a statement released on the ministry’s website on Friday.
The statement further recommended that individuals maintain “heightened vigilance” during their stay in Iran, “avoid all demonstrations,” and frequently check the embassy’s website for updates.
France hosts the third largest Jewish population globally, following Israel and the United States, and is also home to the largest Muslim community in Europe, thus Paris has also implemented extra security measures at Jewish locations throughout the country due to concerns about potential retaliatory attacks following Haniyeh’s assassination, with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasizing the genuine risk of such acts taking place.
According to the New York Times report earlier this week, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei allegedly commanded a direct assault on Israel following the assassination of the Hamas political chief.
Iran has pledged to retaliate for the killing of the Hamas leader, with Khamenei asserting that Israel would face “severe punishment.”
CNN and Axios also reported that United States officials anticipate a forthcoming attack on Israel by Tehran, potentially involving Hezbollah as well.
Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah were already experiencing heightened tensions as a result of the Israeli military operations in Gaza, following Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel in October.
In response to Palestinian terrorist attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis with more than 250 Israelis having been taken hostage, Israel retaliated with a massive air offensive on Hamas terrorists and subsequently launched a ground invasion of Gaza.
