Bao Lijun, president of the Azerbaijani Overseas Chinese Association, told the Global Times on Sunday that the first batch of more than 10 Chinese nationals in Iran have arrived at the Astara border crossing. Next, according to the arrangements, they will be safely transported to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory operations. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassy and consulates in Iran on Sunday reminded Chinese nationals in Iran to closely monitor changes in the situation, strengthen personal safety precautions, and evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible through appropriate means.

The feasible evacuations routes are through Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iraq, per the statement.