Asia-Pacific Moves to Protect Citizens, Energy Supplies

(MENAFN) Countries across the Asia-Pacific region moved on Tuesday to evacuate their citizens, protect energy supplies, and closely watch financial markets as the expanding conflict in the Middle East disrupted global oil trade and triggered sharp declines in regional stock markets.

China, Pakistan, India, and Australia were among the nations working to assist citizens stranded in affected areas, as airspace closures and heightened security concerns complicated travel.

China evacuated more than 3,000 nationals from Iran, while an Air India flight from the United Arab Emirates transported 149 passengers and eight crew members back to New Delhi, marking the first Indian carrier arrival since widespread airspace disruptions began across the Middle East.

The crisis intensified on Saturday after a coordinated US-Israeli military campaign targeted Iran, killing several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes on US-linked facilities in Gulf countries, resulting in multiple deaths — including six US service members — and leaving many others injured.

Air and sea routes across the region, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have faced significant disruption since the escalation.

At least six Asian nationals have been reported killed since Saturday — one each from China, Pakistan, Nepal, and India, and two from Bangladesh. An Indian citizen died aboard a vessel near Oman, while five others were killed in the United Arab Emirates.

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