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Andorra Tracks Nationals in Israel and Dubai Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

Government maintains consular contact with Andorrans in affected areas, coordinates with Spain for aid, and urges caution as Middle East violence.

Synthesized from:
Diari d'AndorraAltaveuEl Periòdic+1

Key Points

  • Two Andorrans in Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv) sheltering from missiles; four in Dubai facing tense conditions.
  • No Andorrans in Iran; transients hit by airspace closures and hotel disruptions in UAE hubs.
  • Xavier Espot and Imma Tor call for de-escalation, civilian protection, and diplomatic resolution.
  • Dubai fiscal residents with Andorran ties surge inquiries to relocate amid crisis.

The Andorran government continues to track two nationals residing in Israel, four in Dubai, and several others in transit through regional hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where airspace closures linked to the Israel-Iran conflict have disrupted travel.

Authorities report direct consular contact with all those affected, urging them to exercise maximum caution, restrict movements, and heed official advice. No Andorrans are confirmed in Iran. Head of Government Xavier Espot, speaking Sunday at the Women's Ski World Cup in El Tarter, said the Foreign Affairs Ministry is coordinating with Spanish diplomatic services for any required aid or evacuation, though none is needed at present. He stressed ongoing vigilance until all return safely, while calling for de-escalation, a focus on civilian suffering, and diplomatic resolution—without endorsing any involved regimes.

Foreign Minister Imma Tor issued statements on X Saturday amid the Middle East escalation, reaffirming the government's commitment to peace and stability, expressing solidarity with affected civilians, and repeating calls for prudence along with the consular line +376 324 292.

The crisis began Saturday with coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran, which President Donald Trump described as targeting the ayatollah regime and preventing nuclear weapon development. Israel escalated with intensified bombing of Tehran on Sunday. Iran's Red Crescent reported at least 200 deaths and 700 injuries across the country, including high-profile losses like Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guard commander Mohamed Pakpur. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on US bases in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq, as well as Israeli sites and Abu Dhabi. Conflicting reports cited 63 or 85 deaths from a school strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed evidence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's death and urged Iranians to overthrow their rulers. Trump warned of overwhelming retaliation if attacks persist. French President Emmanuel Macron, one of Andorra's co-princes, deemed the escalation dangerous for all, echoing UN appeals to end the violence.

In Israel, the two Andorran women—one in Jerusalem, one in Tel Aviv—spent much of the weekend in bomb shelters amid repeated missile alerts and high stress, with daily consular check-ins ongoing. Dubai residents report a managed but tense atmosphere, with anti-missile defenses intercepting threats, though debris from intercepts has caused minor impacts. Transients face hotel disruptions, empty streets, delivery shortages, and extended tourist stays granted by Emirati officials, who warn against alarmist social media posts. Former Andorran policeman Joan Comella, now Dubai-based but currently in Brazil, suggested official tallies may undercount Andorrans there and called for a dedicated diplomatic presence.

Opposition group Andorra Endavant has pressed for enhanced protections, citing nationals stranded in conflict areas. Parliamentary leader Carine Montaner referenced an August 2025 query on risk-zone assistance, urging development of a government mobile app for real-time consular links, security alerts, and evacuation logistics amid rising global instability.

The unrest has boosted interest from Dubai's fiscal residents—often young investors with Andorran ties—in relocating to the Principat for its stability, low taxes, and European access, with inquiries rising sharply over the weekend.

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Original Sources

This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: