Kazakhstan Prepares Possible Evacuation of Its Citizens From Iran

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened emergency hotlines and is collecting information about citizens in the conflict zone, Orda.kz reports.

The ministry is working on a possible evacuation of Kazakhstanis from the escalation zone in Iran. It has switched all Kazakh foreign missions in the region to an enhanced mode of operation. Staff at diplomatic missions are coordinating with the relevant authorities in other countries and providing consular assistance to Kazakh citizens, including those currently in airports and transit zones.

Diplomats are now updating the lists of Kazakhstanis in the region and have set up оперативные chats in messaging apps, the statement says. 

The ministry said it has opened emergency communication lines and continues to collect data on how many Kazakh citizens are in the escalation zone, but stressed that it is difficult to provide an exact figure at this stage. Working together with travel companies, diplomatic missions are helping citizens with accommodation in airports and waiting areas. The Foreign Ministry is also working out specific routes and measures for the possible evacuation of compatriots from dangerous areas.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry advised citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran until the situation stabilises and urged those already in the country to leave.

The escalation began a few days ago after U.S. and Israeli forces struck targets in Iran, including military infrastructure. Iranian media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, along with several senior Iranian commanders. Iran then carried out retaliatory missile and drone strikes against U.S. and Israeli positions and their allies in the region.

The strikes and counterstrikes have hit multiple cities and severely disrupted aviation across the region, with major hubs facing flight restrictions and temporary closures, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Original author: Ruslan Loginov

Read also:

• Airlines Ready to Bring Kazakhstanis Home From the Middle East
• Astana Strengthens Security Measures Amid Escalation Around Iran
• Tokayev Sends Support Messages to Gulf Leaders Amid Regional Escalation