“Up to now, based on the information we have, everything is fine with the national citizens residing in the region,” stated a diplomatic source.
The Ministry, it was added, is “in direct contact with the Portuguese in the region through the Consular Emergency Office and [Portuguese] embassies.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation along with its diplomatic representations in the region, in coordination with its European partners,” the same source from the Palácio das Necessidades further stated.
The Government reiterates that “all travel to the Middle East is currently discouraged, considering the increasing regional tension and security risks,” a message already conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through online platforms, such as the Portal das Comunidades.
Israel and Iran have been at war since early Friday morning when Tel Aviv bombarded Iranian military and nuclear facilities, killing at least 78 people, including military leaders and scientists, and injuring hundreds, according to Iranian diplomacy.
The Israeli attacks, carried out by 200 planes targeting a hundred sites, primarily hit Tehran (north) and the Natanz uranium enrichment plant (center).
Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles into Israeli territory, with explosions reported over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, killing at least three people and leaving dozens injured.
