"Given the current security situation in Iran, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions in Iran advise Chinese citizens to temporarily avoid traveling to Iran. Those currently in Iran should enhance their safety measures and leave the country as soon as possible," the Consular Affairs Bureau of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its WeChat account today.

According to the agency, Iran has recently faced a marked increase in external security risks, leading many countries to advise their citizens to leave the Islamic nation. Beijing will assist Chinese citizens with travel via commercial flights or land routes.

A Varesh Airlines aircraft from Iran at Mehrabad Airport, west of the capital Tehran, in October 2024. *Photo: AFP*

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have recently escalated, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening military action if talks regarding Iran's nuclear program fail. In response, Iran warned it would attack US bases in the Middle East, including those in Israel.

Today, the US authorized non-essential government personnel and their dependents to leave Israel due to security concerns. US media reported that US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee emailed embassy staff, advising them not to panic and stating that anyone wishing to leave "should do so today."

The latest round of talks between the US and Iran concluded on 26/2 in Geneva, Switzerland, without a breakthrough. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi today called on the US to abandon "excessive demands" so that both sides could reach an agreement. He did not specify Washington's particular requests.

Positions of US warships and bases in the Middle East, with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford entering the region. *Graphic: Washington Post*

Washington seeks to expand the scope of negotiations to include non-nuclear issues, such as Tehran's missile arsenal. Iran, however, is only willing to discuss potential limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, refusing to completely halt uranium enrichment or negotiate on missiles.

On 25/2, President Trump stated that Iran "has developed missiles that could threaten Europe and US overseas bases and is researching missiles with the range to the US." Iran has repeatedly affirmed that its missile program is for self-defense and emphasized that its nuclear program serves only peaceful purposes.

Nhu Tam (According to Global Times, Reuters)