Italy's foreign ministry has urged Italians to leave Iran and warned of elevated security risks across the Middle East, discouraging non-essential travel to Iraq and Lebanon. Italians in Israel were told to exercise maximum caution and remain vigilant. Britain temporarily withdrew staff and closed its embassy in Tehran, while the United States has increased its military presence amid concerns of a possible strike and stalled nuclear talks with Iran. Authorities framed the alerts as precautionary responses to rising regional tensions.
Italy Urges Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
People walk near a mural featuring images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on a street in Tehran, Iran, February 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
Rome, Feb 27 — Italy's foreign ministry on Friday urged its citizens to leave Iran and warned of heightened security risks across the Middle East, citing persistently unstable conditions that could affect travellers and expatriates.
"Italians in Iran for tourism or whose presence is not strictly necessary are urged to depart," the ministry said, adding that travel to Iraq and Lebanon was strongly discouraged.
The ministry also advised Italian nationals in Israel to exercise maximum caution and to remain vigilant. Several other governments have issued similar travel warnings in recent days as regional tensions rise.
Britain announced it had temporarily withdrawn staff from Iran and closed its embassy in Tehran, citing the escalating situation. Meanwhile, the United States has reinforced its military presence across the Middle East amid concerns about a possible strike on Iran. Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme continue, but officials report no immediate breakthrough.
The alerts are being framed by many governments as precautionary measures in response to growing concerns about potential military escalation and stalled nuclear negotiations. Italian authorities urged citizens to monitor official channels for updates and to register with consular services if they are in the region.
(Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
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