Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced a reduction in the alert level for Iran, moving from Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) to Level 2 (restriction phase). This decision is based on what the department describes as 'positive developments' in Iran's security situation following recent airstrikes by Israel on an Iranian nuclear site. The new alert level is effective immediately.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA will continue to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos who wish to return to the Philippines, despite the change in the alert level. The Philippine Embassy in Tehran remains actively involved in this process, ensuring the safety and convenience of Filipinos in Iran.

The department has committed to closely monitoring the regional situation and is prepared to adjust the alert levels as necessary. Iran was previously at alert level 1, known as the precautionary phase, before being raised to level 3 on June 20. This escalation was due to increased tensions following air raids between Tehran and Tel Aviv, particularly during Israel's Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.

The latest data from the DFA indicates that 1,180 Filipinos are currently residing in Iran, with the majority being spouses of Iranian nationals. Earlier this month, two groups of evacuees, including 11 overseas Filipinos and two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), were repatriated from Iran via Turkmenistan with assistance from the DFA's Rapid Response Team based in Turkmenistan.