The head of the National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC) in Lithuania has issued urgent recommendations for Lithuanian citizens currently located in Iran and Israel. As of now, there are 17 Lithuanians in Iran and 219 in Israel. The NKVC has raised its alert level and directly informed citizens through SMS about essential safety measures they should take amid escalating tensions in the region. They are particularly advising individuals in Iran to seek the quickest routes out of the country towards neighboring Armenia or Turkey.

For those already in Israel, the guidance is to avoid traveling within the country and to adhere closely to local authorities' instructions. The NKVC is stressing the importance of staying put, avoiding unnecessary travel or contact with other locations, and remaining cautious. V. Vitkauskas, the head of NKVC, emphasized that despite these heightened alerts, there are currently no plans for a mass evacuation of Lithuanians from either country as the departure is not deemed safe at this moment.

This advisory reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and highlights the role of government agencies in ensuring the safety of their citizens abroad. As the situation evolves, the NKVC will continue to monitor and provide updates to Lithuanians impacted by the instability in Iran and Israel, ensuring that protective measures are communicated effectively to those in potentially hazardous locations.