Russians in Iran can leave via Turkmenistan, Russian embassy says

Embassy guidance is shared via Telegram for Russians seeking evacuation

People carry "Lion and Sun" pre-Iranian Revolution national flags as they gather near the United Nations office, as the second round of nuclear talks between US and Iran takes place, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb 17, 2026. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy

Russia's embassy in Turkmenistan said on Monday that Russians unable to leave Iran could depart via Turkmenistan, a Central Asian former Soviet republic which shares a 1,148-kilometre (713-mile) border with northeastern Iran.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the embassy said Russians looking to leave via Turkmenistan could register with the Russian embassy in Tehran.

Turkmenistan maintains one of the strictest visa policies in the world, requiring virtually all foreign visitors to obtain a permit before entering. The country facilitated evacuation of foreigners from Iran via its territory during the war between Iran and Israel last year.

Other foreign nationals, including some Russians, have been departing Iran via its border crossings with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In a statement earlier on Monday, Turkmenistan, which maintains strict neutrality in international affairs, called the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East "regrettable", and called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.