A protester holds a poster reading "drop the files not the bombs" during a demonstration against the war in Iran in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California. The US and Israel launched an attack of unprecedented scale against Iran with Tehran launching a retaliatory missile barrage that sent people running for cover across the Middle East.
Image: ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP
As escalating geopolitical tensions continue to shake the Middle East, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) issued an advisory for citizens residing in the region regarding potential limitations in support based on their locations.
In a social media statement, the department urged South Africans living in the Middle East to contact the South African Embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
"South Africa wishes to urge all its citizens in the Middle East Region to contact the respective Embassies accredited to their countries of residence to ensure that they are registered with and that their whereabouts are known to the Embassies.
"It is important to note that South Africa's support in these countries could be limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location," said Diro.
"Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to access their own safety and security and act accordingly."
Dirco then provided a list of contact numbers for assistance.
In a social media statement, Dirco urged South Africans living in the Middle East to contact the South African Embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
Image: Dirco/Facebook
The unrest follows a massive airstrike by the United States and Israel against Iran after Tehran allegedly dismissed American demands to scale back its nuclear programme.
The airstrikes, launched overnight on Saturday, significantly escalated the already tense geopolitical landscape, setting off a chain of hostilities that rattled the region.
In retaliation, Iran initiated counterattacks on multiple targets, including Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, leading to widespread fears of a broader military conflict.
The conflict resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Many flight cancellations have been reported for routes in and out of Middle East destinations, further complicating travel and evacuation efforts.
Visit www.dirco.gov.za for the list of contact details for South African missions abroad.