A group of 17 Armenian citizens is unable to return from Bethlehem as planned due to escalating tensions in the region.

According to Panorama.am, the tourists left Armenia on June 10 and were scheduled to return on June 17. However, the worsening Iran-Israel conflict has made their return currently impossible.

“We’re in Bethlehem, which is relatively safe since it’s within Palestinian territories and not subject to bombings,” said group member Martha Paloyan.

She explained that due to ongoing shelling in nearby areas, the group has no safe way to leave or return to Armenia.

“Our travel agency is working on our return and has contacted the embassy and the foreign ministry. They’re exploring options to get us across the border safely and possibly return via Jordan or Egypt. But it’s unclear how long that will take, and even the embassy can’t give an exact answer. It’s going to be a long and dangerous journey,” said Paloyan.

She noted that their group is the only one from Armenia currently in Bethlehem, and they are staying in a secure hotel with all necessary provisions. “The locals have been extremely supportive and kind to us,” she added.

On the night of June 13, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple military sites near Tehran. Iranian media reported that residential areas were also hit, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters in Tehran. Iran’s military vowed devastating retaliation. The IRGC has since launched “True Promise 3” in response, following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s call for a harsh reply.