Spain has launched a large-scale repatriation operation to assist its nationals located in the Middle East, resulting in the evacuation of 8,000 Spanish citizens since the escalation of tensions triggered by United States attacks on Iran and the subsequent response by Iranian authorities affecting several neighbouring countries.

The evacuation effort remains fully active and represents the largest international evacuation operation ever carried out by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The initiative aims to ensure the safe return of Spanish citizens who were present in areas affected by the conflict or in regions experiencing heightened security risks.

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Spain evacuates 8,000 citizens from the Middle East in the largest repatriation operation in its history

Since the beginning of the crisis, authorities have implemented multiple logistical and diplomatic measures to facilitate departures from the region. These actions include the deployment of three military evacuation flights, the organisation of land transfers to neighbouring safe countries, and coordination with commercial airlines to arrange travel to Spain once airspace conditions allow.

Diplomatic missions across the region have played a key role in managing the operation. Embassies and consulates have remained in direct contact with affected citizens while coordinating different evacuation routes and travel arrangements. In several cases, Spanish nationals have also been able to secure seats on evacuation flights organised by other European countries, thanks to ongoing diplomatic cooperation.

The entire operation is coordinated through a dedicated crisis unit, which works continuously with Spanish diplomatic missions to monitor developments and adapt evacuation strategies according to the evolving security situation.

At present, evacuation procedures continue in multiple locations across the region. The only operation that has concluded is the one in Tehran, which ended successfully after the evacuation of the Spanish embassy.

Authorities have confirmed that the operation will remain active until all Spanish citizens who wish to leave the affected areas are able to do so, maintaining evacuation and assistance measures as long as the situation in the region requires it.