“Leave Immediately”: PM Donald Tusk Warns War in Iran Could Erupt Within Hours

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has issued a stark public plea for all Polish nationals in Iran to depart the country without delay, stressing that the opportunity for secure exit could vanish in a matter of hours due to the growing likelihood of military confrontation.

Tusk delivered the message during a press briefing, urging citizens to act swiftly and avoid any travel to Iran under current conditions. He described the prospect of open hostilities as highly probable, cautioning that within a short window -potentially just hours or days – evacuation routes might become unavailable. Drawing from prior episodes where warnings went unheeded, he appealed for Poles to treat the alert with utmost seriousness to prevent being caught in a deteriorating situation.

Escalating U.S.-Iran Tensions

The advisory arrives against a backdrop of sharply worsening U.S.-Iran relations. Multiple U.S. news sources reported that President Donald Trump received briefings on possible military strikes targeting Iranian assets, with the U.S. armed forces positioned to execute operations as early as the coming weekend if authorized. Officials indicated preparations for an extended, intensive campaign – potentially spanning weeks and involving coordination with Israel – aimed at nuclear installations, missile facilities, and supporting infrastructure.

Trump has publicly demanded Iran abandon uranium enrichment, restrict ballistic missile development, and cease backing regional militias, threatening severe repercussions otherwise. Indirect discussions in Geneva have shown limited convergence, with Iran requesting additional time to formulate proposals. The U.S. has reinforced its regional posture by deploying additional naval assets, including carrier strike groups like the USS Gerald R. Ford, to enhance deterrence and operational capability.

Iran’s Response and Regional Readiness

Iran has responded with joint naval maneuvers alongside Russia in the Sea of Oman, partial closures of the Strait of Hormuz, and statements signaling readiness for wide-ranging retaliation against U.S. interests, Israel, or maritime routes if provoked. The Kremlin has called for de-escalation to avert a major crisis.

Poland’s warning aligns with elevated travel risk assessments from various governments. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation for Iran, highlighting dangers of arbitrary detention, wrongful imprisonment, terrorism, and unrest. Recent U.S. notices have noted flight disruptions, internet limitations, and the importance of alternative overland exits via Armenia or Türkiye when feasible.

Consular and Diplomatic Coordination

The Polish Foreign Ministry reinforced Tusk’s statement with its own advisory, urging registration with consular services for those still in Iran and immediate departure planning.

No comparable urgent evacuation directives from other European governments appeared in immediate reports, though many maintain high-level travel warnings for Iran. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with diplomatic efforts persisting alongside military posturing. Citizens with ties to Iran should closely follow official channels for updates and prepare alternative arrangements.