The government has urged Maldivians residing in the Middle East to exercise caution due to the escalating situation in the region.

The United States and Israel launched a war in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran. Iran retaliated with attacks on the UAE and Qatar.

In a brief statement, the Foreign Ministry urged Maldivians in the Middle East to stay home and follow the instructions given by the governments.

It added that the ministry and embassies were closely monitoring their situation and urged them to register at the nearest embassy.

In a separate statement, the ministry "denounced attacks from all sides and urged an immediate de-escalation of tensions."