Fijians told to remain vigilant

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A police officer fires a teargas shell to disperse a protest outside the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Karachi, Pakistan, March 1, 2026. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

THIS is a start of a huge conflict if no agreement is done.

These were the words of a Fijian security advisor of an oil company in the Middle East who managed to return home before all airspace within the war-torn region was closed off to commercial flights.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, the security personnel said he had returned to Fiji immediately after threats of an airstrike were issued by the Israeli government.

“I’ve been residing and working in the Middle East and we’ve been monitoring the situation very closely daily as it is part of work area geographically,” the security advisor said.

“The situation between Israel and the US and Iran has been brewing since the last attack in July last year.

“The attack on (Saturday) night was initiated by Israel and supported by the US on Iran; it had been planned for few months now, after ongoing and unsuccessful negotiations.”

He said when the talks broke down, his employers issued an evacuation notice for their employees.

“Our main priority is safety.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka called on Fijians in the Middle East to remain calm.

“Remain calm. Follow official advisories issued by host governments, maintain contact with family members where possible, and register with the nearest Fiji Mission if you have not already done so,” he said in a statement last night.

“To families here at home who may be concerned, please be assured that the ministry is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates should circumstances materially change.

“Fiji continues to call for restraint, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.”