Tanzania begins evacuating citizens from Israel and Iran as Middle East tensions escalate

The Ministry reports that 147 Tanzanians—95 from Iran and 42 from Israel—have been evacuated amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Tanzania has begun repatriating its citizens from Israel and Iran as conflict escalates across the Middle East.
Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Denis Londo, made the announcement when he appeared before Parliament on Monday, noting that Tanzanian embassies in the two nations are coordinating the evacuations.
More To Read
- Tanzania beats Burkina Faso 2-0 in CHAN 2024 opener at Benjamin Mkapa stadium
- Mombasa police accused of blocking Mwabili Mwagodi from filing torture complaint after abduction in Tanzania
- EAC warns partner states against unilateral directives undermining Common Market Protocol
- Kenya petitions EAC over Tanzania’s ban on foreign traders, cites treaty violations
- Kenya plans talks with Tanzania over new trade restrictions
- Kenya urges urgent action as Tanzania’s new trade restrictions threaten EAC integration
"These efforts are being coordinated through our embassies in Tel Aviv, Ankara, Kuwait, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi. We are committed to ensuring that every Tanzanian returns home safely," said Londo.
The Ministry reports that when tensions escalated, 168 Tanzanians were living in Iran and 495 in Israel. So far, 147 citizens have been successfully evacuated, 95 from vulnerable areas in Iran and 42 from Israel.
Diplomatic approach
Londo also highlighted the need for a diplomatic approach to resolving the Israel-Iran crisis, advocating for calm and constructive dialogue, in line with the principles of the United Nations.
"Tanzania emphasises the importance of addressing global challenges through diplomacy, guided by the principles of the United Nations," he said.
The development comes amid Tuesday morning reports that Israel and Iran had struck a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and Qatar, to end the conflict.
Retaliatory strike
However, by Tuesday afternoon, tensions appeared to be flaring again, with emerging reports suggesting that Israel was preparing a potential retaliatory strike against Iran, accusing Tehran of breaching the terms of the deal.
The Guardian reports that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel would "respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire," following military reports of incoming Iranian missiles.
"In light of Iran's blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States through the launch of missiles toward Israel, and in accordance with the Israeli government's policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) to continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran," he said.
Iran, however, swiftly denied launching any missiles, with military officials warning that the country's armed forces stand ready to respond to any external threats.
The conflicting claims have cast doubt over the durability of the truce, prompting fresh concerns that the fragile ceasefire could unravel and trigger a larger conflict.
Top Stories Today
- Parental consent blocking teen girls from health services – report
- A father, a witness: Gaza journalist documents war while living its daily horror
- Cholera spreads in Sudan's North Darfur, 640,000 children under threat, UNICEF warns
- Ruto orders action against public hospitals charging outpatient fees
- Man behind viral TikTok video calling for coup arrested in Mombasa
- Mounting civilian casualties in Sudan as fighting intensifies