France warns citizens to leave Iran --Paris cited an increased risk of military escalation as the reason for its latest advisory | 2 Aug 2024 | The French Foreign Ministry has issued a recommendation that the nation's citizens leave Iran and avoid traveling there, "whatever the reason." The ministry cited "heightened risk of military escalation in the region." The warning came in the wake of the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Iran blamed Israel for the killing, though West Jerusalem has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. The assassination led to an uptick in tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Reports in Western media suggest that Iranian retaliation against Israel may be imminent.