The government has issued a safety advisory to all its citizens living in Israel and Iran following the outbreak of a deadly conflict between the two countries.
The warning comes amid rising fears for the safety of foreign nationals caught in what has become one of the most dangerous escalations in the Middle East in recent years.
Through a statement released on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu emphasised that the government’s top priority is the safety and well-being of Kenyans abroad.
Citizens living in the affected areas are being urged to take extra precautions, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay updated on developments by monitoring local news and following the instructions of local authorities.
“In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs issues the following urgent advisory to all Kenyan nationals in Israel and Iran,” the statement read in part.
Adding
“The safety and well-being of Kenyans abroad remain our utmost priority as the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve. Safety and Security Guidance: Exercise extreme caution avoid non-essential movement, and monitor local media alerts.”
The government has also advised Kenyans in distress to contact the Kenyan Embassy in Tel Aviv for urgent support. The embassy is located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, and can be reached by phone at +972 3 575 4633 or +972 54 691 4773.
Israel-Iran conflict
The conflict began when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a series of over 200 airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites in cities like Tehran and Natanz. Israel says the strikes were meant to stop Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions.
Iran, in turn, responded by launching a barrage of missiles and drones, including advanced hypersonic weapons, into Israel. Cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa were hit, with some missiles getting past Israel’s defence systems and causing deaths and destruction.
So far, at least 585 people have been confirmed dead in Iran, while dozens have died in Israel. Hundreds more have suffered injuries, and both countries are dealing with widespread damage and chaos.
The violence has attracted global attention. The United States has deployed warships and fighter jets to the region, threatening direct intervention unless Iran halts its attacks. President Donald Trump has demanded an unconditional surrender from Iran, but Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has refused, promising more retaliation and refusing to back down.
Other world powers, including Russia, China, and members of the European Union, are urging both sides to return to the negotiating table and prevent a wider war. Meanwhile, thousands of people are fleeing Iranian cities, and parts of the country are experiencing power and internet blackouts due to the ongoing attacks.
With no end in sight and the risk of a full-blown regional war increasing, the Kenyan government has joined the international community in calling for calm. It continues to monitor the situation closely and is urging any Kenyans in the affected areas to remain alert and seek assistance if needed.
