China has urged its citizens to leave Iran, the Chinese embassy in Iran said in a statement.

Iran has recently faced a significant increase in external security threats, which has prompted many countries to issue evacuation alerts for their citizens, the statement notes.

In view of the security situation in Iran, the Chinese foreign ministry as well as the Chinese embassy and consulates in Iran advise Chinese citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling to Iran, and those already in Iran to strengthen security measures and evacuate as soon as possible, the statement adds.

Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens to evacuate Iran by commercial flights or land routes, the statement noted as well.