The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking actions for the evacuation of citizens from Iran and Israel.

Foreign Minister Georgi Georgiev informed the media in Parliament about the actions taken in connection with the deteriorating security situation in Iran. He announced that in order to ensure the safety and health of Bulgarian employees, a total of 17 people - diplomatic staff and their families - have been transported to a safe destination.

Georgiev clarified that in addition, two Bulgarian citizens have crossed the border with Azerbaijan, and they are the only ones who have requested assistance for evacuation from the country. The interim head of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Iran will be relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, for more effective monitoring and coordination of on-site actions.

Due to the closed airspace, the possibilities for evacuation are limited, but alternative routes are being sought, the minister informed. He explained that the Consular Service at the Embassy in Tehran has temporarily suspended the servicing of citizens, and they can turn to the Coordination Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Georgiev assured that the Bulgarian Embassy in Tel Aviv is working continuously, maintaining contact with citizens and providing assistance where necessary and possible. Nevertheless, due to the specific situation, there are some citizens who cannot or do not wish to be evacuated from Israel in any other way than by air, but the closed airspace does not allow this.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses gratitude to all institutions providing assistance, as well as to the teams of Bulgarian diplomatic missions for their professionalism and dedication.