WASHINGTON : Serbia has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible”, citing a rapidly deteriorating security situation amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear programme.

In a statement released overnight, Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against all travel to Iran and called on Serbian nationals currently in the country to depart at the earliest opportunity.

“Due to the deteriorating security situation, citizens of the Republic of Serbia are not recommended to travel to Iran in the coming period,” the ministry said. “All those who are in Iran are recommended to leave the country as soon as possible.”

The warning comes as fears mount over a possible military confrontation linked to the long-running nuclear standoff between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump recently said he was “considering” a limited strike if negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme fail. His comments followed a major US naval and military build-up in the Middle East, aimed at increasing pressure on the Islamic Republic.

This latest advisory builds on an earlier recommendation issued in mid-January, when Serbian authorities had already urged their nationals to leave Iran amid an intensified crackdown by the country’s clerical leadership on a nationwide protest movement.

Despite diplomatic efforts, a breakthrough remains elusive. Iran said on Friday it was still hopeful of reaching an agreement with Washington, but the nuclear dispute continues to be a central source of tension between the two countries.

Serbia is not alone in raising the alarm. Australia has renewed its call for citizens not to travel to Iran and urged those already there to leave if it is safe to do so. Although commercial flights are still operating, Australian authorities warned that the situation could change rapidly, particularly if airspace closures or restrictions are imposed.

Australians remaining in Iran have been advised to prepare to shelter in place for an extended period and to ensure they have adequate supplies of food, water and essential medication.

Poland has also adopted a firm stance. On February 19, Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Polish nationals to leave Iran immediately, cautioning that evacuation could become impossible within hours if the security situation worsens further.

“Please leave Iran immediately and do not go to this country under any circumstances,” Tusk said.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.