Foreign Ministry Assisting Icelanders in Middle East

2026-03-02 - 10:16

Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs says a number of Icelandic nationals in parts of the Middle East have been in contact with its civil service in recent days. As reported by Vísir, they are reportedly seeking information and possible assistance following large-scale unrest in the region as a result of the US and Israel’s military action against Iran. What's the Story? Icelandic nationals in Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar contacted the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for information and assistance Advisory issued to inform relatives and contact the ministry’s emergency number or email if support required Widespread flight cancellations across parts of the Middle East leaving thousands of travellers stranded Emblem of Iceland's Foreign Ministry. Photo: Geraldshields11. Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Travel disruption concerns According to a Facebook post, the ministry has issued guidance to citizens in Israel as well as in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. Those in the region are advised to inform family members of their situation and to get in touch with the ministry if support is required, either by telephone or email. Ægir Þór Eysteinsson, information officer at the ministry, said in response to a media enquiry that people should follow official instructions issued by local authorities and keep up to date with regional media coverage. He added that the civil service is monitoring developments closely, working alongside Nordic partners and their embassies. The situation has also affected international travel. Widespread flight cancellations across parts of the Middle East have left thousands of travellers unable to depart. Icelandic authorities have previously coordinated assistance for citizens abroad during major international disruptions, even during the 2008 banking collapse.