Croatian nationals remain in Iran as Tehran embassy evacuated after US–Israel strikes

Tehran

The US and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026, marking a dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions and drawing global attention amid fears of a wider regional conflict.

According to reports from major international outlets, the joint operation, described by Israel as a pre-emptive action and by the US as “major combat operations”, targeted Iranian military assets, missile sites, nuclear-related facilities, and leadership compounds in cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

Explosions were reported across Tehran, with smoke rising over the capital and damage visible near the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though his status remains unclear.

The strikes followed months of planning, heightened threats, and failed nuclear negotiations.

In response, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military bases across the Middle East, including in Gulf states hosting American forces. Israel activated air defences and declared a state of emergency, with sirens sounding nationwide.

For Croatia, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MVEP) issued a statement on Saturday confirming the situation for Croatian nationals in the region.

Currently, only around ten Croatian citizens remain in Iran, down from about twenty as some have since left the country.

No one has requested consular assistance so far. The Croatian Embassy in Tehran was evacuated earlier, including the Ambassador, though one staff member remains on the ground to monitor developments.

MVEP continues to follow the situation closely.

In Israel, the Croatian Embassy in Tel Aviv reports approximately 20 Croatian tourists and pilgrims currently in the country, along with about 100 dual Croatian-Israeli citizens. Authorities advise caution and monitoring official updates.

US President Donald Trump addressed the nation in an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social (and referenced across platforms including X), announcing the start of operations.

‼️Svim HR državljanima savjetujemo praćenje i poštivanje uputa HFC👇 pic.twitter.com/LzXDzsegJl

— Kroatia be Israel (@BeKroatia) February 28, 2026

He described the campaign as “massive and ongoing,” aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, annihilating its navy, eliminating nuclear threats, and preventing the regime from rebuilding its programme. Trump warned that American lives could be lost but justified the action as necessary to defend the US and its allies.

He directly urged the Iranian people to “take over your government” once operations conclude, stating it could be their “only chance for generations” to seize freedom and topple the leadership that has ruled since 1979.