“If we see that the situation becomes so severe that people cannot leave by civil aviation, we will do everything to help them depart,” Vilmantas Vitkauskas told reporters, noting that time was currently “an ally” with Tehran possibly running out of its missile stockpiles.
The NKVC head said one option would be to transport citizens to countries where flights face fewer restrictions, naming Oman and Saudi Arabia as possible transit points for those leaving the United Arab Emirates.
“For now, the best advice is to stay where you are, follow local authorities’ instructions and avoid unnecessary movement, as there is a risk from attacks or falling debris,” he said.
Vitkauskas added that 20 requests for assistance to leave Israel had been received, including 17 from Lithuanian citizens, two from French nationals and one from an Estonian national.
“At this stage, we recommend people in Israel remain in their place of residence, as the situation remains dangerous,” he said.
Israel and the United States launched attacks of unprecedented scale against Iran on Saturday, and the Islamic republic has since pressed with its retaliation campaign in the Gulf.
The Foreign Ministry on Saturday urged Lithuanians not to travel to Israel, Palestine, Jordan or Gulf states and to leave Iran immediately.
Those already in Israel, Iran or other Middle Eastern countries are advised to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ security instructions, and monitor updates from Lithuanian diplomatic missions.