According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the death of the leader of the Iranian regime, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, gives the Iranian people an opportunity to shape their own future, which for decades has been built on fear, violence and international destabilisation, including a nuclear and missile programme, brutal repression at home and support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Iran’s future must belong to the Iranian people, not to a narrow ideological circle of power.
“Israel and the United States have shown that they are prepared to stand up to regimes that threaten regional and global security. Pressure on Iran must not subside until the country abandons its aggressive foreign policy and ends the repression of its own people. The Iranian people must have the opportunity to determine their own future,” Tsahkna said.
“Khamenei’s death also directly weakens Russia’s and Putin’s position and undermines his authority in the world,” he added. “There is no protection for Iran from Moscow, and we see clearly that Russia is not capable of providing it. The Kremlin sells an illusion of strength but is unable to ensure the survival of its closest allies.”
“Authoritarian regimes that have provided political or military support to the Kremlin’s aggression are facing their own weakening,” Tsahkna said. “Along with this, support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is diminishing. This is the moment for the international community to significantly increase pressure on Russia and its allies – politically, economically and diplomatically – until the aggression ends and Ukraine’s territorial integrity is fully restored.”
An extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers is also taking place today, at which Tsahkna, together with his EU counterparts, will discuss the situation in the Middle East, possibilities for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic efforts, as well as increasing pressure on Russia and its supporters.
As a result of the hostilities between Israel, the United States and Iran, several Middle Eastern countries have closed their airports and airspace, and we advise Estonian citizens not to travel there where possible. We will provide further information at the earliest opportunity.
• Citizens in the region are asked to remain vigilant and to follow the instructions of the local authorities. There is a high missile threat throughout the region. If necessary, seek shelter immediately in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows, doors and open areas.
• We recommend that Estonian citizens leave Israel while this remains possible. Land border crossings with Egypt and Jordan are currently open.
• Public notices in the United Arab Emirates are available on the website of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority: https://www.ncema.gov.ae
• All Estonian citizens in the Middle East region are asked to register their short-term stay on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that we can provide information if necessary.
We will be continually updating information on the Foreign Ministry’s online consul site and on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
If necessary, consular assistance is available around the clock on the emergency number +372 5301 9999.
Additional information
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