China urges citizens in Iran to evacuate 'as soon as possible' amid rising tensions and conflict

China's foreign ministry on Sunday urged Chinese citizens in Iran to leave "as soon as possible", listing four land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iraq.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran reminded Chinese citizens in Iran to closely monitor the situation, strengthen their personal security precautions, and evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible through appropriate means after U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Authorities said four evacuation routes are currently open -- the Astara border crossing in Azerbaijan; the Agarak border crossing in Armenia; Van Province, Agri, and Hakkari border crossings in Turkey as well as the Shalamcheh border crossing in Iraq.

It noted that apart from the Shalamcheh border crossing, which requires a prior e-visa or temporary visa at the border, the remaining three mentioned provide visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders.

Authorities said specific travel conditions are subject to change, and Chinese embassies in Iran and neighboring countries will provide necessary assistance for the transfer and evacuation of Chinese citizens.