Zimbabwe evacuates citizens from Iran as Middle East conflict escalates

The late Ayatollah Khamenei and President Mnangagwa

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – The Government of Zimbabwe has completed the evacuation of its citizens from Iran, including students and non-essential embassy staff, as tensions escalate following military strikes involving the United States and Israel. Authorities confirmed that essential diplomatic personnel have been relocated to Armenia, where they are continuing to monitor developments in the region.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Chimbindi, said evacuations were carried out following requests from Zimbabweans based in Iran.

“So far, the only people who are back are some citizens who were in Iran, and these are the non-essential staff as well as students,” Chimbindi said.“These are the only ones who indicated that they need to be evacuated.”

He added that some diplomatic officers remain deployed in Armenia to coordinate monitoring and response efforts.

The government says all Zimbabwean embassies in the region have activated contingency plans in case the conflict spreads further.

“All our embassies have contingency measures in place in case they need to be evacuated,” Chimbindi said.

Zimbabwe’s diplomatic missions in countries such as the United Arab Emirates have also been in communication with nationals, providing updates and guidance through official channels.

Authorities are now working to compile updated records of Zimbabwean citizens living across the Middle East, amid concerns that many have not formally registered with embassies.

Chimbindi said an estimated 6,000 Zimbabweans are currently based in the UAE, though the exact number may be higher.

“In some instances, people do not officially register with their respective embassies until such incidents. So, the process of compiling accurate figures is ongoing,” he said.

The evacuations come as Iran has responded to recent strikes with missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Analysts warn that further escalation could disrupt travel, trade, and diplomatic operations, prompting more countries to review evacuation plans for their citizens.

Zimbabwean authorities say they remain on high alert and are prepared to assist citizens if conditions deteriorate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Zimbabweans in affected regions to stay in contact with embassies and follow official safety guidance.

Zimbabwe evacuation Iran