A total of 52 foreign nationals have departed Iran through Armenian territory, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said during a meeting with heads of Armenian diplomatic missions in Muscat.

He noted that no significantly unusual increase in movement had been observed at the Iran–Armenia border. Since February 28, Armenian embassies, diplomatic missions, and consular offices have been operating in an emergency mode, the Foreign Ministry reported.

“In Iran, for example, only two Armenian citizens contacted our embassy, which I find quite surprising, and the embassy provided the necessary assistance for their return. The Armenia–Iran border has also been used by diplomats from many other countries, staff of those institutions, and ordinary citizens.

An interesting figure, just for awareness: citizens of 52 countries have used the territory of the Republic of Armenia simply to leave that situation, which I believe is quite substantial. Again, in some cases visas are required, in others not, and there is a need to facilitate this process.

There are citizens who do not wish to leave. There are students who want to stay and continue their studies. There are Armenian citizens working in those countries who have contractual obligations and do not wish to leave for now,” the minister said.

On February 28, Israel and the U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with strikes toward Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. bases.