Paris cited an increased risk of military escalation as the reason for its latest advisory
The French Foreign Ministry has issued a recommendation for French citizens to leave Iran and refrain from traveling there, “regardless of the reason.” The ministry attributed this recommendation to the “heightened risk of military escalation in the region.”
This warning follows the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Iran has accused Israel of the killing, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
The assassination has heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as with Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Western media reports suggest that Iran may be preparing to retaliate against Israel.
French citizens currently in Iran were advised to “depart as soon as possible,” according to a statement published on the ministry’s website on Friday. The statement also urged individuals to exercise “extreme caution” while in Iran, “avoid all demonstrations” and regularly consult the embassy’s website.
Paris has also implemented additional security measures at Jewish sites across France, citing the threat of “revenge” attacks in response to Haniyeh’s killing. “The risk of such actions being carried out is real,” said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
France has the world’s third largest Jewish population, trailing only Israel and the US, and also boasts Europe’s largest Muslim community, according to AFP.
On Thursday, the New York Times reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had allegedly ordered a direct strike against Israel in response to the assassination of the Hamas political leader.
CNN and Axios reported on Friday that US officials anticipate an imminent attack against Israel by Tehran, which could also involve Hezbollah. Iran has vowed to avenge the Hamas leader’s killing, with Khamenei stating that Israel would be “severely punished.”
Tensions between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah had already been escalating due to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last October, Israel retaliated with an extensive bombing campaign followed by a ground invasion of Gaza, which local health authorities claim has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties thus far.
Moscow has repeatedly warned of the risks of the Gaza conflict escalating into a major war in the Middle East and has called on all parties to exercise restraint. The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Haniyeh’s assassination and warned that such actions were “fraught with dangerous consequences for the entire region.”