Russia’s MFA Urges Citizens in Gulf Countries to Take Precautions as Iran and U.S. Exchange Strikes

July 15, 2026 Tehran, Iran. Majid Asgaripour / WANA via REUTERS Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned its citizens in Gulf countries to exercise caution after an interim deal to end the war in the Middle East fell apart and Iran and the United States exchanged back-and-forth strikes. In a statement, the ministry urged Russians to take “additional personal safety precautions” and remain in contact with tour companies and airlines. “Closely monitor alerts and warnings from local authorities, as well as statements from the MFA and Russian diplomatic missions abroad,” the statement read. The United States reimposed its naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrike campaign on Wednesday in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The Kremlin said it “regrets” the latest escalation in the Middle East, which it said is preventing Washington from focusing on its role as mediator in stalled Ukraine peace negotiations. “Right now, the Americans can’t deal with the Ukraine settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a daily briefing on Wednesday. Russia, one of Iran’s closest partners, has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic republic as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry “strongly recommended” that its citizens in the Gulf avoid areas near military facilities and critical infrastructure. Russians were also advised against posting footage of air defense activity or the aftermath of attacks on social media to avoid legal risks. Russian civil aviation authorities have indefinitely suspended commercial flights to and from Iran due to the conflict. Read more about: Iran , Gulf Countries , Middle East , Foreign Ministry Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia's Lavrov Urges De-Escalation in Call With Iranian FM Lavrov also stressed the need to "ensure the safety of the civilian population and civil infrastructure in all countries of the region." 1 Min read Russia 'Decisively Condemns' Hezbollah Chief's Killing Moscow's foreign minister suggested an effort was underway to drag Washington into a regional war. 1 Min read Russia Urges ‘Restraint’ After Iranian Attack on Israel Moscow expressed "extreme concern over the latest dangerous escalation in the region." 1 Min read Israel Rejects Russian Offer to Rein in Iranian Forces in Syria Russia's top diplomat and top general were dispatched to Jerusalem as Syrian government forces routed rebels near the Golan.