During a press conference on 29/1, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang addressed questions regarding Vietnam's stance on the current tensions between the United States and Iran.

"Vietnam calls on relevant parties to exercise restraint, refrain from actions that escalate tensions, resolve disagreements peacefully, strictly adhere to international law, the United Nations (UN) Charter and relevant UN resolutions, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, refrain from the use or threat of force in international relations, and create favorable conditions for peace negotiations for security, safety, peace, and stability in the region and worldwide," Hang stated.

Amidst these escalating tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously issued a travel advisory for Vietnamese citizens on 15/1. This advisory recommends that Vietnamese citizens avoid traveling to Iran at this time unless absolutely necessary. For those already in Iran, it is crucial to regularly monitor information, strictly comply with local government regulations on travel, and heed warnings from Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To receive assistance, Vietnamese citizens in Iran should contact the citizen protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran or the Citizen Protection Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Protesters burn tires on the streets of Iran's capital Tehran on 9/1. *Photo: Tasnim*

The tensions between Washington and Tehran recently intensified following statements from United States President Donald Trump on 28/1. Trump announced that Iran was running out of time to reach an agreement, a declaration made after Tehran stated it would not negotiate while under threat. The United States leader had also previously announced that a "giant fleet" led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was heading towards Iran, emphasizing that this fleet was larger than the United States forces deployed near Venezuela.

These heightened tensions are linked to a wave of anti-government protests that erupted in Iran from late 12/2025. The protests began due to merchants' dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the depreciating rial. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations quickly escalated into deadly violence. President Trump had repeatedly mentioned the possibility of supporting these protesters, even considering ordering airstrikes on Iran. However, Washington's allies warned Trump about the long-term consequences of such an attack. Iran later declared the protests had ended, reporting more than 3,000 people killed.

Ngoc Anh