Russia Evacuates Citizens From Iran, Halts Consular Services Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Russia has announced the evacuation of several of its citizens from Iran and the temporary closure of its consulate in Tehran, citing rising tensions and escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.

“Due to the current situation, the consular service of the embassy is temporarily suspending its activities,” the Russian embassy in Tehran said via Telegram on Sunday.

It added that updates on the resumption of services would be communicated at a later date.

The evacuation includes members of the Tchaikovsky Grand Symphony Orchestra. Russia’s Culture Minister, Olga Lyubimova, confirmed that the musicians crossed into Azerbaijan, while a film crew led by Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk had exited Iran via the same route a day earlier.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Russia’s civil aviation authority has also directed airlines to suspend flights to Iran and Israel and avoid their airspace, including that of Jordan and Iraq, until at least June 26.

This follows formal travel advisories issued on Friday.

The developments come after Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities early Friday. Iran responded with multiple missile barrages targeting Israeli cities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s actions, warning of a “dangerous escalation” in the region. Russia maintains diplomatic relations with both Tehran and Tel Aviv.