Elina Valtonen, the Finnish Foreign Minister, has urged Finns currently in the Persian Gulf region to remain in safe locations and heed advice from local authorities, as the situation in the Middle East becomes increasingly serious. She emphasized the potential for ongoing escalation and reassured the public that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the developments through Finnish embassies in the area, with consular services ready to assist if necessary.

Valtonen's statement, shared via the social media platform X, also includes a strong recommendation for Finnish citizens to avoid all travel to the affected countries, large crowds, and any potential protests. This caution comes in the wake of rising tensions that have led to significant travel disruptions, including many countries in the region closing their airspace since the onset of conflict.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry is encouraging those in the region to register their travel with authorities. Several international flights, particularly those operated by Finnair to Dubai and Doha, have been canceled, reflecting the broader impact of the current geopolitical tensions on civilian travel. This situation highlights the precarious position of foreign nationals in conflict zones, prompting governments to take protective measures for their citizens.