Albania and Serbia have begun evacuating their citizens from Israel as the direct conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies. The move comes after a significant escalation in hostilities that commenced on June 13, 2025.
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, confirmed that five Albanian citizens, who were in Israel for tourism and professional reasons, have successfully departed via Egypt. “They are now in Egypt, in good health, and are expected to return to Albania soon,” Hasani announced via a Facebook post. Albania has no diplomatic relations with Iran since 2022, following a cyberattack for which Tirana blamed Tehran.
Serbian Prime Minister, Đuro Macut, did not provide an exact number of evacuated Serbian citizens, stating only that “several have been evacuated.” He affirmed that the Serbian government continues to implement measures to protect its citizens still in Iran and Israel. “The Government is monitoring and taking all necessary measures to protect Serbian citizens who are currently in Israel and Iran,” a communiqué stated.
The status of Kosovar citizens in Israel remains unclear. Radio Free Europe sought information from Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs but has not yet received a response.
The direct conflict between Israel and Iran began on June 13. On that day, Israel launched attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, asserting its aim to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon, which it views as an existential threat. These initial Israeli strikes killed at least 224 people in Iran, including high-ranking military figures and nuclear scientists.
In retaliation, Iran launched over 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. As of now, 24 people have been reported killed in Israel. The Israeli army also reported that Iran launched new missiles on Tuesday, with explosions heard in northern Israel.
Many countries worldwide have advised their citizens against traveling to both Israel and Iran since the direct hostilities began.
