Comprehensive analysis and security guidance regarding the escalation in the Middle East region
Bratislava, March 1, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic (MZVEZ SR), in close cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and international partners, is monitoring the critical deterioration of the security situation in the wider Middle East region. Following the confirmed death of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the elimination of several members of the Islamic Republic of Iran's high command, there is an uncontrolled escalation of tension, which has a direct impact on the security of Slovak citizens and the stability of global markets.
Analysis of security risks and the military situation
The current wave of violence has transcended the boundaries of a local conflict and has taken on the character of a regional confrontation. Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting key urban agglomerations in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai), Qatar and Bahrain pose an immediate risk to the civilian population. Of particular concern is the first-ever direct strike on Omani territory, which confirms the expansion of conflict zones into previously stable areas.
As part of the defense operations, a significant number of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were eliminated over the Persian Gulf. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic warns of the secondary danger arising from the impact of debris and fragments of downed ammunition. These objects may exhibit a high degree of instability and contain toxic components or unexploded initiation mechanisms. The Ministry of Diplomacy therefore appeals to citizens not to manipulate unknown objects under any circumstances and to maintain a safe distance.
Planned repatriation and evacuation mechanisms
Due to the de facto closure of airspace over several countries and the paralysis of commercial air transport, the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic decided to deploy the resources of the Aviation Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic. On the day March 3, 2026 The first repatriation flights by government special aircraft are planned, which aim to transport Slovak citizens from risk areas to their homeland.
The logistical operation is coordinated through embassies in Cairo, Tel Aviv and Beirut. Priority in transportation is given to families with children, people with health complications and citizens who are stuck in transit zones of international airports without the possibility of further movement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic calls on all citizens in the region to immediately update their data in the voluntary registration system, as this data is the primary basis for compiling evacuation lists.
Economic and strategic consequences of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Part of Iran's military strategy has been to completely block the Strait of Hormuz, the most important sea route for transporting energy raw materials. The halting of tanker traffic at this point has caused an immediate shock on global commodity exchanges. The price of Brent crude oil has hit the $100 per barrel mark, which portends drastic impacts on retail fuel prices in Europe.
According to preliminary analyses by energy experts, the blockade of the strait could lead to a sharp increase in prices at Slovak gas stations. The estimated increase in gasoline and diesel prices is around EUR 0.60 per liter, which poses a serious threat to inflationary stability and logistical costs throughout the Slovak Republic. The Slovak Government is therefore analyzing the possibilities of drawing on emergency oil reserves in order to mitigate price fluctuations on the domestic market.
Recommendations for citizens and emergency communication
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Slovak Republic recommends that citizens of the Slovak Republic staying in the affected areas activate the "shelter-in-place" regime. Suitable spaces are interior rooms without windows, ideally with a minimum number of external walls. It is essential to follow the official channels of local authorities, such as the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) in the UAE, and strictly follow their instructions.
In case of emergency, the International Crisis Operations Center in Bratislava and the embassy network are available:
International Operational Crisis Center (24/7): +421 2 5978 5978 / +421 906 07 5978
Tel Aviv University (Israel): +972 544 556 640
Abu Dhabi International Airport (UAE): +971 2 594 9130
VZU Beirut (Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq): +961 1 216 808
VZU Tehran (Iran): +98 912 215 5727
Cairo University (Egypt, Oman): +20 122 216 8086
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): +966 11 488 2269
VZU Kuwait (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar): +965 2531 4530
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic recalls that travel recommendations are an important information tool and every citizen abroad bears personal responsibility for their decisions, while the Ministry of Diplomacy is making every effort to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing crisis on the lives and property of Slovak nationals.
Source: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic / vizum.sk Date: 01. 03. 2026