Paris, France – The French Foreign Ministry reiterated its travel advice on Friday, urging its citizens not to travel to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank, even for tourism or family visits, due to security tensions related to developments in the Iranian nuclear issue and the potential for escalation in the region.
The ministry also advised French citizens currently in these areas to exercise extreme caution. It further advised them to avoid demonstrations and gatherings, familiarize themselves with the locations of shelters, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Fears of a possible escalation
The French warning comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, after US President Donald Trump outlined his justifications for a possible military strike against Iran during his State of the Union address. The US president affirmed his preference for a diplomatic solution but stressed his opposition to Tehran possessing nuclear weapons.
It is estimated that any potential attack could provoke a retaliatory response against Israel. Israel has previously been targeted by Iranian missile attacks, further heightening security concerns in the region.
Simultaneous European calls
The French stance reflects a growing European trend toward taking precautionary measures to protect citizens, given the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing talks on Iran’s nuclear program. European capitals are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take further measures if necessary.
Paris affirms that it continues to assess the security situation continuously. It has also urged its citizens to follow official guidelines for any updates.
