Germany Urges Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Rising Tensions Over Sanctions
The German Foreign Ministry warned that Tehran’s threats of retaliation could endanger German nationals and interests inside Iran.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Germany has advised its citizens to leave Iran and avoid traveling to the country due to the risk of retaliatory actions from Tehran, following Berlin’s role in reactivating U.N. sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program, according to Reuters.
The German Foreign Ministry warned that Tehran’s threats of retaliation could endanger German nationals and interests inside Iran.
“Given that Iranian government representatives have repeatedly spoken of consequences in this matter, it cannot be ruled out that German interests and nationals will be affected by countermeasures,” the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.
It further cautioned that the German Embassy in Tehran is currently able to provide only “limited consular assistance” due to the security situation.
The warning underscores the growing uncertainty for foreign nationals in Iran as diplomatic and security pressures intensify over the country’s nuclear program.
In a significant escalation, France, Germany, and the UK (E3) have triggered a mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, citing Iran's non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). Iran's Foreign Minister denounced this as "unjustified, illegal," and vowed to respond. The United States welcomed the European action, calling it a necessary step due to Iran's "significant non-performance" of its nuclear commitments.
The "snapback" mechanism initiates a 30-day countdown that could restore international sanctions, including freezing assets, banning arms sales, and targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and compliant.
This move follows recent conflict between Israel and Iran (with US involvement), targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, and Iran's suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Tensions have been high, with threats made against the IAEA Director General. While IAEA inspectors recently returned to one Iranian facility, the E3 stated Iran's non-compliance is "clear and deliberate," pointing to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The decision comes after the collapse of indirect talks between Iran and the US. Iran has warned that reimposed sanctions could lead to the termination of its remaining cooperation with the IAEA. The next 30 days will determine if this diplomatic move forces a resolution or deepens the crisis.
