The European Union has begun assisting member states in evacuating citizens stranded in the Middle East amid rising regional tensions. Italy Austria and Slovakia were the first to request support for repatriation flights. EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib confirmed that Brussels is helping finance the evacuation efforts following unrest triggered by recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Security alerts have intensified across the region.The U.S. embassy in Oman advised staff and American citizens to shelter in place until further notice citing ongoing activity. Meanwhile the U.S. embassy in Beirut suspended both regular and emergency consular services until conditions improve.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned it would target all economic centres in the Middle East if attacks continue. IRGC General Ebrahim Jabbari claimed the Strait of Hormuz has been closed raising fears of a major energy shock. The strategic waterway carries roughly one fifth of global oil trade.
Airstrikes were also reported in Sidon Lebanon and western Tehran fueling anxiety across Gulf states. Meanwhile, Farah Pahlavi said the future of Iran depends on a peaceful and lawful transition, adding that her son Reza Pahlavi is preparing for potential change.
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