China Urges Citizens to Exit Iran

Daily Iranian newspapers are fronted with the image of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other headlines, displayed at a kiosk in Tehran on February 18, 2026. Iran said February 17, 2026, it had agreed with the United States in talks in Geneva on "guiding principles" for a deal to avoid conflict, but the US Vice President said Tehran had not yet acknowledged all of Washington's red lines. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

China has advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible,” in a strongly worded notice issued by its diplomatic mission.

In the advisory, Chinese authorities urged nationals to prioritise their safety and depart using available commercial routes while they remain operational. The embassy stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that evolving security conditions could complicate travel arrangements if delayed.

The notice specifically called on Chinese citizens to “evacuate from Iran as soon as possible,” signalling heightened concern over the stability of the environment. While the advisory did not publicly detail the precise triggers behind the warning, it reflects Beijing’s increasing caution regarding the security landscape in the region.

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In this handout photograph released by the US Navy on February 6, 2026, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) sail in the Arabian Sea. AFP

This move places China among countries reassessing the safety of their nationals in Iran, particularly amid geopolitical tension and uncertainty. Travel advisories of this nature often indicate that authorities are closely monitoring security, infrastructure reliability, and potential disruptions to transportation networks.

China maintains significant economic and strategic ties with Iran, including energy cooperation and infrastructure investments. However, the latest advisory underscores that citizen safety remains a primary concern when risk levels shift.

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  • Tope Oke

    Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.

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