
Exercise utmost vigilance.
This was the advice from the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs yesterday to nationals living in or intending to travel to the Middle East region after the United States dropped bombs on nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday as the war between Iran and Israel continued.
The ministry said in a release it was closely observing the evolving developments in the region.

SITUATION FLUID:
Stuart Young
It said nationals are “strongly encouraged” to take precautionary actions:
• Remain vigilant and stay informed by monitoring credible news sources and official advisories
• Register promptly with the ministry’s Registration System for Nationals Abroad: https://register.foreign.gov.tt/
• Ensure that all travel documents are valid and up to date
• Comply fully with safety and security directives issued by local authorities
• Ascertain the location of the nearest emergency shelter in the event of intensifying hostilities
• Formulate contingency plans for departure, particularly where personal safety may be at risk.
The ministry also reminded nationals that they are required to obtain a visa for both transit and entry into the United Kingdom.
“This requirement should be factored into all travel plans,” the ministry stated.
For further information or consular support, nationals can contact the ministry at consular@foreign.gov.tt.
The Express reached out to international relations expert Dr Anthony Gonzales yesterday.
Gonzales, who is an honorary senior fellow of the Institute of International Relations at The University of the West Indies, said:
“Trinidad and Tobago does not need to support what United States President Donald Trump did nor does it need to support Iran, but if Iran reacts, it could have an effect on oil and gas prices.”
On Saturday night, Trump said the sites in Iran including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, were identified by US intelligence as the cradle of the Iranian nuclear development programme.
According to Gonzales, “I just think that we (Trinidad and Tobago) don’t have to support anyone or say anything. We should not necessarily support what United States President Donald Trump did nor does it need to support Iran but as far as we are concerned, if Iran reacts and just decides to block the Strait of Hormuz, that can have an effect on oil and gas prices as it would affect a lot of shipments and so on.”
He added that oil and gas prices can also be affected if Israel destroys Iranian oil and gas fields.
“Right now it is about how Iran reacts,” said Gonzales.
Since Saturday night, Iran has responded to the US bombing campaign by continuing its missile attacks on Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa.
“They (the Iranians) may attack US soldiers in bases in Iraq and other bases in the Middle East but this is just speculation but apart from that it is hard to say and where this will go and its impact on the rest of the world including us,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales was of the opinion that Iran’s regionally powerful military was now in a weakened position with its forces and military materials having been degraded by Israeli military attacks.
“It is difficult to see how they would fight on and the Iranian regime wants to stay in power. So they may retaliate, quiet down and come back to the negotiation table and things will dial down,” he said.
“Let’s wait and see what happens but I don’t anticipate any kind of major counter-attack on US forces but rather it is going to simmer and boil down,” he said.
The Express also reached out to former prime minister, now Opposition MP, Stuart Young, who said: “What is taking place in the Middle East is a very fluid situation which must be of concern. We in Trinidad and Tobago await the discussions at the United Nations which is one of the main forums for our participation in these issues. I would also expect Caricom could adopt a consensus position for a statement to be made.”
“As an individual, I hope and pray for peace and an end to these deadly conflicts,” he said.