Russia announced on Sunday that it has suspended consular activities in Tehran and evacuated several of its citizens from Iran following a sharp rise in regional tensions sparked by Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
The retaliatory missile launches from Iran targeting Israel have escalated fears of a broader conflict across the Middle East.
According to a statement shared on the Russian Embassy’s official Telegram channel, the consular department in Tehran has temporarily ceased operations due to security concerns. The embassy indicated that any future reopening of the consular services would be communicated at a later date.
Russia’s Culture Minister, Olga Lyubimova, confirmed that members of the prestigious Tchaikovsky Grand Symphony Orchestra were among those safely evacuated. She stated that the musicians successfully crossed the border into Azerbaijan. Lyubimova also noted that filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk and his crew had previously exited Iran via the same route on Saturday.
In a broader move to protect Russian citizens and interests, the Russian civil aviation authority issued a directive halting all flights to Iran and Israel. The ban also applies to overflights of Jordan and Iraq, and is expected to remain in effect until at least June 26. This follows official travel warnings issued late last week.
The recent crisis erupted after Israel launched a series of aggressive strikes early Friday targeting Iran’s military and nuclear installations. Israeli authorities claimed the attacks were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—a concern long echoed by its Western allies. In retaliation, Iran responded with a barrage of missiles aimed at Israeli territory, escalating fears of full-scale war in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who maintains strategic relationships with both Tehran and Tel Aviv, weighed in on the matter, sharply criticizing Israel’s actions. He issued a strong warning against what he described as a “dangerous escalation” in an already volatile Middle East, urging restraint and dialogue over confrontation.
As the situation continues to evolve, Moscow’s decision to withdraw its citizens and shut down consular services underscores the seriousness with which the Kremlin is treating the growing instability in the region. Russian officials have yet to confirm whether additional evacuations are planned or what specific triggers would prompt further diplomatic or military responses.
What you should know
Russia has suspended its consular services in Tehran and evacuated citizens, including cultural figures, as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.
President Putin has condemned Israel’s recent strikes, warning of a wider regional conflict. Russian air traffic has also been halted over multiple Middle Eastern countries until late June.
