China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the country’s embassy and consulates in Iran, on Sunday urged Chinese nationals in Iran to evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible following the start of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, Global Times reports.

In a statement, the embassy said that on February 28 the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran. China’s Foreign Ministry and its diplomatic missions in Iran called on Chinese citizens to closely monitor developments, strengthen personal safety measures and leave dangerous areas as soon as possible using available evacuation routes.

According to the embassy, several land evacuation routes remain open. Chinese citizens can enter Azerbaijan visa-free through the Astara border crossing, which operates daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Visa-free entry is also available via the Agarak border crossing into Armenia.

Land routes to Turkey remain open through border crossings in the provinces of Van, Ağrı and Hakkâri, where Chinese passport holders are also granted visa-free entry, the embassy said.

Those wishing to travel to Iraq may use the Shalamcheh border crossing, provided they obtain an electronic visa in advance or apply for a temporary visa on arrival.

China’s embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will assist Chinese citizens with relocation and evacuation, the diplomatic mission added.