Evacuations Amid Middle East Conflict: Spain and Portugal's Response
Over 40 Spaniards evacuated from Tehran via Armenia and will soon board flights back to Spain.
Amid the escalating tension between Israel and Iran, multiple Spanish and Portuguese nationals are being evacuated from Tehran, the Iranian capital. This has been confirmed by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, stating that the evacuees will soon be flying back to Spain following their border crossing into Armenia.
In an attempted calm, Albares urged other Spanish nationals in Iran who have not yet contacted the Spanish Embassy in Tehran to do so and adhere to the security guidelines shared on the embassy's social media accounts. Remarkably, the Spanish Embassy in Tehran remains operational amidst the escalating conflict and heightened regional tensions [1].
Portugal's Repatriation Mission
Portugal, Portugal's neighboring country, has also repatriated 69 individuals, including two Spaniards and one Argentine. This repatriation process occurred on a Thursday flight from Israel, with 48 Portuguese and their families on board. The plane, operated by the Portuguese company TAP, arrived in Lisbon around 19:30 local time, slightly later than the originally scheduled 18:30.
Besides Portuguese citizens, the repatriated individuals hail from Germany, Israel, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Argentina, Spain, Ukraine, and Austria [1]. Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Emídio Sousa, praised the repatriation as a "total success," acknowledging the efforts of the armed forces, diplomatic delegations, and all those involved [1]. At the moment, no more repatriation flights are planned; however, Portugal remains open to receiving requests from citizens wishing to return.
One Argentine citizen among the repatriated individuals, Agustín, expressed concern for the bonds between Israel and Iran, conveying a hope for a peaceful resolution that allows their eventual return [1].
highlight|European Nations' Evacuation Response
Faced with heightened security risks due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, European nations such as Spain and Portugal are launching complex evacuation operations involving road, air, and land border crossings with neighboring countries [3][4]. This urgent action highlights the immediate threat the conflict between Israel and Iran poses to the safety of European citizens in Iran [1][2][3][4][5]. The European Union is closely coordinating these efforts under its Civil Protection Mechanism, emphasizing cooperation to ensure the safe and timely evacuation of citizens who wish to leave the region [2]. Other countries, such as Hungary, are also conducting evacuations, focusing initially on diplomats, their families, and other nationals deemed at risk [3][5].
References:
- Euronews - https://www.euronews.com
- The Local Portugal - https://www.thelocal.pt
- Reuters - https://www.reuters.com
- BBC - https://www.bbc.com
- The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com
- Spain and Portugal are implementing complex evacuation operations, utilizing various means of transport and bordering countries, in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
- Amidst the European nations' evacuation efforts, key political figures are urging citizens to adhere to security guidelines and maintain open lines of communication with the respective embassies for updates on the conflict's impact on their lifestyles and travel plans.
