Tehran, Iran / Moscow, Russia – February 28, 2026 – The Russian Embassy in Tehran issued an urgent advisory on Saturday, calling on Russian citizens and compatriots in Iran to leave the country “if possible” and exercise extreme caution following the launch of a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iranian targets.
In a statement posted to Telegram, the embassy warned of heightened risks and instructed Russians to “remain vigilant, closely monitor official announcements and recommendations from the Embassy and Iranian authorities, and refrain from being near military and government facilities.” It further advised against all non-essential travel to Iran until further notice.
“We also strongly recommend that Russian citizens and compatriots currently in Iran leave the country if possible,” the embassy stated, emphasizing the need for immediate departure where feasible amid the unfolding security situation.
The advisory comes hours after Israel and the United States announced coordinated strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, missile production sites, and reportedly senior leadership figures. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation—codenamed “Roaring Lion”—as pre-emptive to eliminate threats to Israel’s security. US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social video, confirmed American involvement under “Operation Epic Fury,” vowing to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, navy, and proxy networks while preventing nuclear weapon development.
Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian provinces, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, with Iranian air defenses engaging retaliatory missile barrages launched toward Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia). Iranian state media reported civilian casualties, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck.
Russia’s embassy statement reflects Moscow’s concern for the safety of its nationals amid the rapid escalation. Russia has maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, including military-technical cooperation, and has consistently opposed Western military actions against Tehran. The advisory aligns with similar warnings issued by other nations, including China and several European countries, urging their citizens to avoid travel and seek safe departure routes.
The strikes follow a period of indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. The military action has cast serious doubt on the future of diplomacy, with Iran condemning the attacks as a “grave violation of sovereignty” and vowing a “crushing” response.
This escalation echoes the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war, during which Israel initiated strikes and the United States later joined, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). Those actions were reported to have set back—but not eliminated—Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to International Atomic Energy Agency assessments.
International reactions have been swift and polarized. The European Union, through Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, called for “maximum restraint,” protection of civilians, and full respect for international law. The UN Security Council held an emergency session, with Russia and China condemning the strikes as violations of sovereignty. Gulf states closed airspace in several areas, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over potential energy disruptions and spillover effects.
Oil prices surged sharply in response to fears over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint. As missile exchanges continue and regional airspace remains volatile, the Russian embassy’s call for evacuation underscores the growing perception of acute danger for foreign nationals in Iran.
No official casualty figures for Russian citizens have been reported, and the embassy has not specified evacuation routes or assistance mechanisms. Russians in Iran are advised to contact the embassy directly for guidance.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing strikes, retaliatory fire, and heightened alert levels across the Middle East. Global attention is focused on civilian safety, the protection of diplomatic missions, and the prospects for containing the conflict before it spirals into a broader regional war.
