Zareh Sinanyan, the Chief Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of Armenia’s Prime Minister’s Office, stated that while some people are arriving from Iran, there is currently no significant influx. “There are arrivals from Iran, but not yet a large flow. There is general anxiety and concern; people are trying to distance themselves from Tehran and major cities. There is no issue at this point with relocating to Armenia,” he told Factor.am .
Sinanyan noted that the situation remains unpredictable and that his office is in regular contact with the Armenian community in Iran. “Yesterday, many were alarmed when [Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu said he would start targeting civilians and infrastructure. This statement increased anxiety. We know of individuals who got in their cars and headed to Armenia,” he said.
He added that mainly Iranian Armenians with housing and relatives in Armenia are relocating. When asked whether Armenia is prepared to receive a large number of Iranian Armenians, Sinanyan assured that the country has gained some experience. “Considering the September 2023 experience, when we received a much larger influx from Artsakh, I believe Armenia will be ready to accept Iranian Armenians, at least in the initial stage,” he noted.
Iran has extended its ban on domestic and international flights until June 18, according to Majid Akhavan, a representative of Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, as reported by TASS. “All domestic and international flights are banned until 2:00 AM local time on Wednesday. We urge citizens to avoid going to airports and to follow official sources for updates,” IRNA quoted him.
Meanwhile, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced that India has evacuated 110 of its citizens from Iran via Armenian territory. This was confirmed by the Ministry’s spokesperson Ani Badalyan, Armenpress reported.
On the morning of June 13, Israel launched strikes on military and nuclear facilities in Iran. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli territories, and both sides continue exchanging strikes.
