Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has issued an evacuation order, calling on its citizens to leave Iran due to “worsening situation” amid violent riots that have been raging for the 12th day.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry recommended its citizens to leave Iran immediately via three available checkpoints. “Due to the worsening security situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recommends that Ukrainian citizens leave the territory of Iran,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, the ministry called on Ukrainian citizens to avoid confrontation with local authorities and security forces. “In this case, we ask you to follow the instructions of local authorities, not to enter into conflicts with police representatives, and to remain calm,” the statement concluded. The order came as violent riots triggered by economic difficulties entered the 12th day, with the number of killed protests reaching 36. The evacuation order also followed a warning issued by Iran’s military chief Maj-Gen Amir Hatahim who condemned US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric over the ongoing protests in Iran. Commenting on Trump’s remarks that the US would launch military action if Tehran “violently kills civilians”, Amiri said Iran would respond to these threats.
Earlier, Australia issued an evacuation order for it citizens, citing “ongoing violent nationwide protests that may further escalate without notice.”
Protests started by shopkeepers in capital Tehran on 28 December of high inflation and depreciation of the national currency Rial against the USD. The rallies soon turned into nationwide anti-government protests, with demonstrators changing anti-regime slogans and clashing with securty forces.
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