China orders its citizens to leave Iran "as soon as possible" amid threats from the U.S.

China urged its citizens to leave Iran “as soon as possible” and to avoid traveling to the country, amid rising military tensions with the United States and the largest U.S. deployment in the region since the invasion of Iraq.

In a statement published on its website, the Embassy of China in Tehran noted that, "given the current security situation in Iran," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic representations recommend that Chinese citizens do not travel to the country "for the time being". 

It also advises those who are already there to "strengthen their security measures and evacuate as soon as possible".

The diplomatic mission warned that Iran "has recently faced a significant increase in external security risks."

In this regard, he assured that Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will provide assistance for the relocation of their nationals through commercial flights or ground routes.

The warning coincides with the arrival in the region of the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which reached the northern coast of Israel as part of the U.S. military deployment in the Middle East in anticipation of a possible attack on Iran.

China is Iran's main trading partner and its most influential international ally. According to official data, about 30% of Iran's foreign trade is linked to China, which also accounts for nearly 90% of its oil exports.

In 2021, both countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes cooperation in economic, energy, technological, and security sectors.

However, despite its diplomatic support for the "protection of Iranian sovereignty," Beijing has not announced any measures beyond political statements.

Beijing's decision comes as Washington maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East, with two aircraft carriers—including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest in the world—several destroyers, and dozens of combat aircraft in the vicinity of Iran.

Iran and the United States concluded their third round of negotiations this year regarding the Iranian nuclear program in Geneva this week.

Although the mediators described the meeting positively and scheduled a new meeting for next week, the conversations are taking place under the pressure of military threats from Washington.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem authorized the departure of non-essential personnel and their families due to “security risks.”

In the same vein, the United Kingdom announced the withdrawal of all its diplomatic personnel from Iran “due to the security issue”.

London warned of an "intensified risk of regional tension" that could result in travel disruptions and other unforeseen impacts, advising against any travel to Iran.

The British government also warned that British citizens or British-Iranian dual nationals face a "very high" risk of arrest or detention, and reminded that, in case of an emergency, the capacity for consular assistance will be limited.

The coincidence of the warnings from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom illustrates the growing international nervousness concerning the possibility of an escalation in the region, as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent open conflict.