Tensions rise in the Middle East: Iran urges immediate departure from Israel

Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, tensions in the region have escalated.

Significant Developments Expected

Iranian State Television announced, "In the coming hours, the world will witness very important developments."

Nationwide, normal broadcasts were cut, and military clips began to air. The Foreign Ministry warned residents in Israel, stating, "I urge everyone to leave Israel. Their governments are responsible for what happens."

Khamenei's Declaration

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei pinned an old post on social media stating, "The Zionist regime is over."

U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Issues Warning

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert to American citizens. The statement emphasized, "The U.S. Embassy reminds American citizens of the need to be cautious and maintain personal security awareness (including knowing the location of the nearest shelter) due to the fact that security incidents such as mortar and rocket fire and drone attacks often occur without warning."

The statement included the following:

"In the event of mortar or rocket fire or the entry of hostile aircraft, a 'red alert' siren may be activated. Treat all such warnings as real; follow the instructions of local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your nearest shelter or protected area. U.S. government personnel and their families may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters."

Calls from European Countries

France and Poland have urged their citizens in Iran to leave the country due to the potential for increased military tension following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh.

The warning reminded citizens that all of Iran is at the highest level of travel alert, stating, "French citizens are officially advised not to travel to Iran under any circumstances."

Poland's statement noted, "The instability in the security situation leads us to believe that leaving these three countries will become increasingly difficult."

Flight Cancellations by THY and Pegasus

Turkish Airlines (THY) and Pegasus Airlines have postponed their flights to Iran scheduled for tonight due to the tensions between Israel and Iran.

Both companies also announced the postponement of flights to Iraq and Jordan until tomorrow.

Additionally, Singapore Airlines announced that it would avoid using Iranian airspace and seek alternative routes.

The statement said, "We will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East closely and adjust our flight routes as necessary."

Background

Tensions in the region have risen following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Reports in the U.S. media, citing three Iranian officials, including two from the Revolutionary Guards, claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had ordered a direct strike on Israel.

The reports stated that the order was given during an emergency meeting of the Supreme National Security Council in the early morning hours.