IDF Issues Unprecedented Evacuation Warning to Iranian Civilians Near Military Sites

In a highly unusual step amid the escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued an urgent evacuation notice to Iranian civilians located near military weapons manufacturing sites. The warnings, delivered in both Farsi and Arabic, are being interpreted by defense analysts as a potential prelude to expanded Israeli military action inside Iran.

The statement, shared via the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee and its Farsi-language spokesman Master Sgt. (res.) Kamal Penhasi, was aimed at civilians “currently present or expected to be present” in or around Iranian weapons production facilities and affiliated institutions.

“You must immediately evacuate these areas and not return until further notice,” the statement read. “Being near these facilities puts your life at risk.”

The directive was disseminated through official military social media channels, including the IDF’s Persian-language X (formerly Twitter) account, marking a rare instance of direct outreach to Iranian citizens by a foreign military.

This warning comes amid a surge in hostilities following Israel’s targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure last Thursday. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli cities, including ballistic projectiles that struck Rehovot, severely damaging civilian infrastructure and a major research facility.

The IDF’s message is believed to be a strategic attempt to reduce civilian casualties while signaling to Iran and the international community that military escalation may soon intensify. According to regional observers, this kind of explicit warning in native languages is rarely used unless the attacking force is preparing for a sustained and targeted campaign.

Military officials in Israel have not publicly confirmed whether further airstrikes are imminent. However, a senior Israeli defense source told Maariv on Saturday night that the coming 48 hours could be “decisive,” with additional operations likely if Iranian retaliation continues or if Israeli intelligence uncovers further threats.

Israeli airspace remains closed to commercial traffic, and the IDF continues rescue operations in cities hit by Iranian missile strikes. Meanwhile, the international community has called for restraint, with the U.S., U.K., and France urging both sides to de-escalate.