Moldova urges citizens in Iran, Lebanon, Israel to shelter
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova announced that no Moldovan citizens have been reported dead or injured in the states affected by the conflicts in the Middle East.
The institution stated that its Crisis Cell is operating continuously, monitoring security developments in the region, where missile and drone attacks, as well as airspace closures and restrictions, have made the situation extremely volatile, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
The ministry recommends that citizens in affected states remain in safe locations, avoid non-essential travel, follow the instructions of local authorities, check flight statuses directly with airlines, stay in contact with diplomatic missions, and rely only on official sources of information.
In Israel, Moldovan citizens are advised to remain in anti-missile shelters and avoid unnecessary travel. The airport is closed, but land border crossings to Egypt and Jordan are partially operational. The embassy is providing consular support and updated information.
In Qatar, the situation is more difficult, with airspace closed and citizens advised to remain in safe places. Moldova’s embassy is offering consular assistance to all applicants.
In the United Arab Emirates, the situation remains tense due to missile and drone attacks. Airspace is closed, and authorities recommend sheltering in place. Public institutions are functioning normally. The Moldovan embassy has received a significant number of phone and email requests from citizens and has provided consular support, updated information, and guidance on transit and departure options. The embassy remains in constant contact with UAE authorities and other diplomatic missions to help facilitate possible transit solutions.
The ministry noted that Turkey is a possible transit point.
In the Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes took place in the context of rocket launches from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel. Strikes targeted several areas in southern Lebanon as well as areas near the capital, Beirut. Lebanese authorities have convened an emergency meeting and stated they are closely monitoring the situation. No requests for assistance have been received from Moldovan citizens.
The security situation in Iran remains extremely volatile amid airstrikes on multiple military and government targets. Iranian authorities have imposed heightened security measures, including shelter-in-place recommendations and restrictions on movement. Communication restrictions and temporary internet disruptions are possible. The Azerbaijan–Iran land border remains closed to regular passenger traffic, with emergency exits through Azerbaijan possible only through prior institutional coordination. Moldovan citizens in Iran are urged to avoid interprovincial travel, stay in safe locations, and avoid proximity to government and military sites. For potential land evacuation via Azerbaijan, prior contact with the Moldovan Embassy is required to obtain authorization from Azerbaijani authorities. Flights in the region are affected, and air evacuations are possible only if approved corridors are available. Following checks, no Moldovan citizens have been reported among the victims.
