Malaysian Evacuees from Iran Share Relief Amid Heightened Conflict

KUALA LUMPUR — A group of 24 individuals, including 17 Malaysians and a Singaporean, returned to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on June 22, 2025, after being evacuated from Iran amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The evacuees expressed their relief at being reunited with their families after enduring a tumultuous journey out of the conflict-stricken nation.

The Malaysians had been in Iran for personal reasons, with many caught off guard by the sudden outbreak of conflict. Suraiya Ali, a 72-year-old evacuee, recounted her experience of having been in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war over 40 years ago. "I was there once before when war broke out, and now it has happened again. I felt trapped and fearful for my safety," she stated, reflecting on her ordeal.

The situation escalated dramatically on June 13, when Israel initiated airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites and nuclear facilities, leading to widespread panic and uncertainty among foreign nationals in the country. As the conflict intensified, flight cancellations and airport closures left many stranded. Suraiya, who had traveled to Iran to celebrate Aidiladha with her family, found herself unable to return home as planned due to the deteriorating situation.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation was orchestrated with the cooperation of the Iranian and Turkmenistan governments, allowing the group to cross the Iran-Turkmenistan border safely. "The embassy staff treated us like family. It wasn’t easy; we endured long journeys and dangerous roads, but we were never left on our own," Suraiya recalled.

The group undertook a 15-hour bus ride from Shiraz to Tehran to meet the embassy’s departure deadline. Malaysia’s ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar, confirmed that the evacuees were flown from Turkmenistan to Bangkok before continuing to Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian embassy in Ashgabat aided in the repatriation process, coordinating with local authorities to ensure safe passage for the evacuees.

Fadli Yusni, another evacuee, described the anxiety he faced while trying to contact his wife, Zainab, who was stranded in Iran. "The past ten days were filled with panic. I kept checking the news and my phone. Every time I couldn’t reach her, I feared the worst," he said. Fadli successfully sought assistance from the Malaysian Embassy, which facilitated Zainab’s evacuation.

The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards the governments of Iran, Turkmenistan, and Thailand for their cooperation in the evacuation. The ministry also emphasized its commitment to the safety of its citizens, noting that around 12 Malaysians remain in Iran, whose situations are being closely monitored.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the Malaysian government has taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan has ordered the temporary closure of the Malaysian Embassy in Iran, directing staff to return home due to safety concerns.

The evacuation operation also highlighted Malaysia's readiness to assist nationals of other ASEAN member states, as a Singaporean citizen was included in the operation, demonstrating regional solidarity in times of crisis. The collaborative effort to evacuate citizens from Iran amid such volatility underscores the importance of diplomatic relationships in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals caught in conflict zones. As tensions persist, further evacuations of foreign nationals are anticipated as governments coordinate to secure safe exits for their citizens.