Pakistan recalls diplomats, non-essential staff from Tehran amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict

FO official clarifies that Pakistani Embassy, Consulate in Tehran will continue their operations

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Pakistan has recalled some of its diplomats, non-essential staff, and their families from Tehran due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and the changing regional situation.

According to a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the move was prompted by the ongoing war and heightened tensions in the region. However, the official clarified that the Pakistani Embassy and Consulate in Tehran will continue their operations.

The official also confirmed that the staff members identified as non-essential have been instructed to return to Pakistan along with their families. Arrangements have been made to facilitate the safe return of the staff.

Also Read: 268 pilgrims return from Iraq

Earlier, a total of 78 Pakistanis, including 47 students, returned to Pakistan through the Taftan border on Tuesday, raising the total number of repatriated citizens to 1,200. The Pakistani nationals, comprising mostly pilgrims, were stranded in Iran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

According to Express News, during the last two days, 987 pilgrims and students have been safely brought back. The returnees have travelled on 37 buses, with many more expected to return soon.

On Monday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in close coordination with Iraqi Airways, successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad. Both flights have safely arrived in Pakistan.

Iran-Israel conflict

Regional tensions have escalated since last week, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran on June 13, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” with a surprise attack on Friday, targeting Iranian military leadership, nuclear facilities, and ballistic missile production sites.

The operation resulted in the deaths of dozens, including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Israeli officials said the campaign would intensify in the coming days.

Read More: Trump seeks 'real end' to nuclear dispute with Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue striking “every target of the regime,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that further attacks would trigger “a more severe and powerful response.”

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at Israeli targets over the weekend, hitting both military bases and civilian infrastructure.

Israeli authorities said that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday according to Anadolu Agency. Iran, for its part, said that at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.