Situation of Maldivians in Middle East being closely monitored

Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has said that the government is closely monitoring the safety of Maldivians in the Middle East following Iran’s missile strike on the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the region.

In a post on X, Minister Khaleel said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Maldivian diplomatic missions in the region are actively tracking developments and assessing the situation of Maldivians residing or travelling in affected areas.

He urged Maldivians in the region to remain alert, particularly in light of airspaces closing in several countries, and to follow official guidance issued by local authorities.

Following the attack, US President Donald Trump announced that both Iran and Israel had agreed to a deal aimed at ending mutual hostilities and establishing permanent peace in the region.

Qatar’s airspace, a major aviation hub in the Middle East, has since reopened.

However, the temporary airspace closures across the region resulted in multiple flight diversions and delays.