Brussels, Feb 28 (NationPress) In light of increasing tensions between the US and Iran, several European nations are urging their citizens to either leave or refrain from traveling to Iran and various other regions in the Middle East.

The British government announced on Friday (local time) that it has temporarily withdrawn its staff from Iran, although its embassy remains operational remotely, advising against all travel to the nation.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a security advisory urging French nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank, highlighting the potential regional consequences stemming from the situation with Iran. They cautioned about possible flight cancellations or delays and encouraged citizens in affected areas to stay alert and avoid large gatherings, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Similarly, Italy has advised its citizens to exit Iran and exercise extreme caution throughout the Middle East. The foreign ministry stated, "Italians in (Iran) for tourism or whose presence is not strictly necessary are encouraged to depart," while strongly discouraging travel to Iraq and Lebanon.

Germany has revised its travel guidance to discourage all travel to Israel, broadening previous advice that had only been directed at specific regions within the country.

Poland's Foreign Ministry has called for its citizens to leave Iran, Israel, and Lebanon immediately, cautioning that the security situation in the Middle East is precarious and that potential closures of civilian airspace could severely disrupt flights.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry has raised its travel advisory to red for the border areas between Israel and Gaza, Lebanon, and Egypt, citing the escalating tensions in the region.

"Given the current tensions in the Middle East, the security situation in Israel is uncertain," the ministry stated, adding, "Regardless of your situation, do not travel there. It is far too dangerous."

A number of European nations had previously issued travel alerts. The Finnish foreign ministry advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and to leave Yemen and Libya immediately, with advisories updated in February. The Serbian Foreign Ministry has urged its nationals in Iran to leave at the earliest opportunity. The Swedish Foreign Ministry noted in February that those opting to remain in Iran should not anticipate any government-assisted evacuation, reiterating their January advisory for citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and exit the country promptly.

Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States in Geneva, Switzerland, tensions have continued to rise, with senior US officials repeatedly warning of potential military action against Iran.

The United States has positioned two aircraft carrier strike groups, over 150 combat aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighters, and has bolstered its bases in Jordan and Israel. Additionally, Washington has evacuated non-essential personnel from its embassy in Beirut.

Meanwhile, Iran has declared its intention to retaliate against US military facilities in the region if attacked.

According to an official statement from the Dutch government, any escalation in the area could lead to flight cancellations and extended airspace closures. The threat of drone and missile strikes also persists, with the potential for the situation to deteriorate rapidly.