Elham Shahin, Hala Sarhan Heading Back to Egypt after Being Stranded in Iraq

Veteran Egyptian actress Elham Shahin and prominent TV host Hala Sarhan are making their way to Egypt after being stuck in Iraq as Iran exchange airstrikes with Israel.

Shahin shared a video with Sarhan on Instagram of them at the Basra Airport in Iraq, six hours away from Baghdad, where they were staying, after it was reopened.

The ongoing conflict raised regional security concerns, prompting multiple countries in the region, including Iraq, to halt civilian air travel as a precautionary measure.

In the footage, the pair expressed their gratitude and appreciation to all officials in Iraq for providing all their needs and for the Iraqi government's care, even up to the last minute.

Shahin and Sarhan had traveled to Iraq, where they were stranded three days ago, to attend media events organized by the Iraqi government, in the presence of prominent figures in Arab art, culture, and media.

The actress said in a previous statement that all conference participants from all countries are fine and have all returned to their hotel, waiting for the reopening of the airspace.

Shahin added that the situation in Iraq was safe, and the hotel where she was staying was well secured, and things were going well. They remained in Iraq until a truce was struck between both sides so that she and all those stranded in Iraq due to the war between Israel and Iran could return.