Newsroom
Cyprus has issued a stark travel warning for its citizens in Iran, urging them to leave the country immediately amid rising unrest and the risk of regional escalation, a move highlighting how the crisis in Tehran is spilling over beyond its borders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its advisory this week, saying all travel to Iran should be avoided and that those already there should depart while commercial flights still operate. Cypriots in Iran are being told to steer clear of demonstrations, be vigilant, and monitor local and international news for the fast-moving situation.
The warning comes as the UK Foreign Office also issued updated travel guidance, citing “heightened risk of regional tension” across the Middle East, including Cyprus and neighboring countries, due to escalating unrest in Iran.
And in the latest update, two European officials said a U.S. military action could happen within the next 24 hours. An Israeli official added that it seems Trump has decided to act, though exactly when and how remains uncertain.
The escalation in Iran, marked by protests, violent crackdowns, and international alarm, has tangled global diplomacy, prompted airline reroutes, and triggered heightened travel alerts even in places far from the epicenter, like Cyprus.
After a tense 24 hours, Iran briefly closed its airspace overnight, forcing international flights to reroute and prompting airlines such as Lufthansa to avoid both Iranian and neighboring Iraqi skies. The temporary shutdown, lifted this morning, came amid escalating warnings of potential strikes or retaliation and rising fears of wider regional instability. At the same time, diplomatic signals remain mixed: former U.S. President Donald Trump said that executions of protesters appear to have been paused, while Iranian officials insist no hangings are planned at present. Hospitals in major cities continue to struggle under the influx of wounded from ongoing protests, and the United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the unfolding crisis.
The timeline of a nation in turmoil
Dec. 28, 2025 — Protests erupt nationwide
Mass demonstrations begin across Iranian cities, initially over economic hardship, quickly evolving into anti-government protests.
Early Jan. 2026 — Government crackdown and internet blackout
Security forces respond with lethal force. Nationwide internet and mobile disruptions cut off independent reporting and communications.
Jan. 8–10 — Death toll rises
Reports surface of hundreds — then thousands — killed as arrests swell amid heavy street clashes.
Jan. 12–13 — Execution controversy draws global attention
The sentencing of a young protester sparks international outrage. Mixed signals from Iran and the U.S. fuel tension over potential retaliation and executions.
Jan. 14 — Airspace closure and global caution
Iran briefly shuts its airspace, prompting airlines to adjust routes and governments worldwide, including Cyprus, to issue travel warnings.
Jan. 15 — Airspace reopens, diplomatic pressure mounts
Iran reopens its skies, but uncertainty lingers. The UN Security Council is set to meet to discuss the crisis, while travel advisories remain in effect.
*With information from Reuters, TravelGossipUK, CNA, UK Foreign Office
