Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is in constant contact with Zimbabwean embassies across the Middle East and has activated contingency measures to safeguard citizens in the region, following a sharp deterioration in the security situation over the past few days.
The escalation follows sustained United States and Israeli attacks on Iran, now in their fourth day, which have triggered global panic and drawn several Middle Eastern countries into the crossfire.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi confirmed that Zimbabwean authorities had evacuated embassy staff from Iran to neighbouring Armenia as a precautionary measure.
In an interview with The Herald yesterday, Amb Chimbindi said the Government was in touch with its missions in “real time” to ensure the safety of Zimbabweans in the Middle East.
“Zimbabwean citizens who were in Iran were evacuated to neighbouring country in Armenia, while the non-essential staff will be flown back home,” Ambassador Chimbindi said.
He said all Zimbabwean missions in the Middle East, including the embassy in the United Arab Emirates, were actively engaging with citizens in the region.
“In addition, all our missions in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, the Ambassador and Consular General are in touch with the Zimbabwean citizens. There are also contingency measures in these countries in case of emergencies.
“As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are in constant touch with all embassies in the Middle East, where there are Zimbabwean citizens, in real time.”
The ministry spokesperson Mrs Chidawanyika urged Zimbabweans living in or travelling to the affected region to register their presence with the nearest embassy or consulate and to limit their movements in line with host country regulations.
“Zimbabweans living in or who had travelled to the affected region are urged to register their presence in the region with the nearest Embassy and or Consulate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and to limit their movements in line with the regulations issued by the authorities of the host countries.”
The situation in the Middle East has intensified, with the United States and Israel conducting multiple strikes across Iran, including in the capital, Tehran.
US President Donald Trump described the attacks as “major combat operations”.
In response, Iran launched strikes on Israel and US bases in the region, further escalating the conflict.
The Government has assured citizens that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
