Israel has shut down its embassies worldwide and suspended consular services as tensions with Iran reach a critical point following a series of military strikes. The Israeli government, in a statement quoted by Reuters, advised its citizens abroad to remain vigilant, avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols, and cooperate with local security agencies in the event of threats or hostile actions.
Embassy websites also echoed the warning, urging Israelis to stay alert in light of the conflict. It remains unclear how long these diplomatic missions will stay closed.
The precautionary measures come after Israel launched a sweeping military operation against Iran, targeting key military and nuclear facilities. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the operation—dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”—was a strategic effort to strike at the core of Iran’s nuclear weapon development program. Targets reportedly included the Natanz enrichment facility, ballistic missile infrastructure, and high-profile Iranian scientists.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Reports indicate that several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed in the Israeli strikes. Among them were General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s chief of staff and top military officer; and former national security chief Ali Shamkhani.
In response, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and a violation of international law. In a statement posted to its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the ministry accused Israel—referred to as the “Zionist regime”—of breaching Iran’s sovereignty by targeting both military and civilian areas, including the capital, Tehran.
“This morning, the occupying and rogue Zionist regime violated the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of our dear Iran, attacking several locations, including residential areas in Tehran and other cities,” the statement read.
Iran reported casualties from the strikes, including what it described as “defenders of the nation” who contributed to its scientific and technological advancements. The ministry extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged a strong retaliatory response.
Quoting Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against any nation’s territorial integrity or political independence, the Iranian government insisted the strikes were illegal. It invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter to assert its right to self-defense.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry further called on the United Nations Security Council to take swift action and urged the UN Secretary-General to intervene. The statement also appealed to countries within the Islamic world, the Non-Aligned Movement, and all UN member states to condemn the attack and take collective action.
“The grave and far-reaching consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against our beloved homeland will rest entirely upon this regime and its supporters,” the ministry warned.
“The Zionist regime’s actions could not have occurred without U.S. coordination. The United States, as Israel’s chief backer, will also be held responsible for the repercussions.”
As international condemnation mounts and fears of a broader regional conflict grow, both nations remain on high alert, with further escalation possible.
