Tonga has issued a public alert urging all Tongan nationals living in or travelling through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to exercise heightened caution, following the United States and Israel launching major, coordinated strikes across Iran on February 28 — a military operation described by President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” targeting Iranian military and nuclear‑linked sites and prompting widespread regional retaliation.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States had initiated what he called “major combat operations” in Iran, urging the Iranian public to rise up against their clerical leadership once the military campaign concludes.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military had launched a “pre‑emptive attack” intended to neutralise threats emanating from Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the strikes as “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” accusing both nations of violating international norms.
Tehran retaliated by firing missiles towards Israel and several Gulf states hosting American military bases — including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — escalating fears of a broader regional conflict.
Explosions were heard in the city of Haifa and elsewhere in Israel, but it was not currently clear if these were impacts or interceptions.
The warning followed weeks of escalating threats from President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly signalled that the United States would take military action if Iran refused to agree to a new nuclear deal.
Early strikes by US and Israeli forces targeted the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a long‑standing adversary of the West known for suppressing dissent and backing regional proxy groups.
A source indicated that Khamenei had been moved to a secure location outside Tehran before the attack, though his condition could not be independently confirmed. Satellite images, however, showed extensive damage to his headquarters in the capital.
Embassy Issues Alert
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga in Abu Dhabi has issued a public alert urging all Tongan nationals living in or travelling through the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to exercise heightened caution amid increasing regional tensions.
In a notice released on February 26, the Embassy warned that any escalation in the volatile geopolitical climate could disrupt travel and create unforeseen risks for Tongans currently in the region.
“Any escalation may result in travel disruptions and other unforeseen impacts for those currently in the region,” the notice stated.
The Embassy advised Tongan citizens to remain vigilant at all times, avoid unnecessary travel, and immediately register their name and contact details with the mission.
Registration will help the Embassy track and assist Tongans should the security situation deteriorate.
Tongans residing in the UAE or transiting through Middle Eastern countries were also encouraged to contact the Embassy directly for updates or urgent assistance.
The public advisory follows similar alerts issued by foreign missions in recent weeks as political and military tensions continue to rise across parts of the Middle East.
The Embassy provided official contact channels for all registrations and inquiries:
Email: diplomats@kotembassyuae.gov.to
Phone: +971 02 558 6664
