ABU DHABI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Thursday evening a ban on its citizens traveling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, citing the "current developments" in the region.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the ministry called on all UAE citizens currently in those countries to leave immediately and return to the UAE as soon as possible, to ensure their safety.

It also urged citizens in Iran, Lebanon and Iraq to contact the ministry via a designated emergency number, as part of precautionary measures taken by the state to safeguard its citizens.

The development came amid a ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel that took effect on April 8 following 40 days of fighting, and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at midnight between April 16 and 17. ■