The Government of Sierra Leone has evacuated 24 of its nationals and diplomatic staff from Iran following escalating military exchanges in the Middle East.

Authorities, in a statement, said those evacuated had been safely relocated to Armenia as a precautionary measure amid growing security concerns.

“The evacuees include fourteen students, one private citizen, three Sierra Leonean diplomats, and six locally recruited staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran,” the statement noted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it activated emergency protocols in response to the deteriorating security situation. The government added that it continues to monitor developments closely through its diplomatic missions across the region.

Safety directives

“Given the fluid security environment, the Government strongly advises all Sierra Leoneans in affected areas to comply strictly with local safety directives, including curfews and emergency procedures. Citizens are encouraged to remain in regular contact with their families and Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions,” the government warned.

Sierra Leonean citizens living in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel have been confirmed safe, according to updates from the country’s foreign missions.

The evacuation comes as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States spiral into what analysts describe as the most serious regional crisis in years. The conflict was triggered by a joint US–Israeli aerial strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran.

The hostilities have disrupted international aviation and led to the temporary closure of major airports across parts of the Middle East.

The African Union has called for restraint amid fears the conflict could have far-reaching consequences for the continent.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf urged “restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue", warning that further escalation risks deepening global instability.