China Urges Citizens To Leave Iran 'As Soon As Possible' Amid Fears Of US Strike On Tehran

Last Updated:February 27, 2026, 20:43 IST

China urged its citizens to evacuate from Iran, while warning its citizens in Israel to remain highly vigilant and strengthen emergency preparedness amid growing tensions.

China urged its citizens to evacuate from Iran “as soon as possible", citing a significant rise in security risks in the Middle East as tensions rise over a US military offensive in Iran amid a massive American military build-up in the region.

“Chinese nationals currently in Iran are advised to strengthen safety precautions and evacuate as soon as possible," the foreign ministry said in a social media statement. It told citizens to avoid travelling to Iran for the time being “in light of the current security situation."

China also said its embassies and consulates in Iran and neighbouring countries will provide “necessary assistance" to Chinese citizens seeking to relocate via commercial flights or overland routes. China joined several other countries, including India, who have told their citizens to leave Iran in light of regional tensions.

China Urges Citizens In Israel To Remain Vigilant

Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Israel warned its citizens to remain highly vigilant, strengthen emergency preparedness, and avoid going out unless necessary, according to Beijing’s state-run media.

They should “familiarise themselves in advance with nearby bomb shelters and evacuation routes to ensure personal and property safety".

This came a day after Oman-mediated talks between Iran and the US — which have been seen as a last-ditch bid to avert war — though initial optimism was tempered by Tehran warning Washington must drop “excessive demands" to reach a deal.

ALSO READ: US Envoy Urges Embassy Staff To Evacuate Israel Immediately Amid Rising Tensions With Iran

China-Iran Defence Ties

China’s advisory for Iran is significant, as it was reportedly close to a deal with Tehran for the latter to purchase anti‑ship cruise missiles. The deal for the Chinese‑made CM‑302 missiles is near completion, though no delivery date has been agreed, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Negotiations with China to buy the missile weapons systems, which began at least two years ago, accelerated sharply after the 12‑day war between Israel and Iran in June, as per the people. As talks entered their final stages last summer, senior Iranian military and government officials travelled to China, including Iran’s deputy defence minister Massoud Oraei.

Iran is also in discussions to acquire Chinese surface‑to‑air missile systems, so-called MANPADS, anti‑ballistic weapons, and anti-satellite weapons, as per the report. China was a major arms supplier to Iran in the 1980s, but large‑scale weapons transfers reduced in the late 1990s under international pressure.

Under the China–Iran 25-Year Cooperation Program signed in 2021, defence and security collaboration is meant to be part of a broader strategic partnership encompassing economic, energy, and geopolitical cooperation.

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