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New Delhi: The United States has issued a definitive and urgent directive to its citizens in Iran. The US embassy in Iran has asked all its citizens to leave the country immediately.
As a wave of violent protests weeps across the region, the US Embassy has warned that the window for a safe exit is closing. With the rising death toll in the violence and the internet flickering into darkness, the diplomatic standoff between Washington and Tehran has reached a fever pitch, leaving thousands of travellers and dual nationals caught in the crossfire of a nation under siege.
The US Embassy in Iran has warned all American citizens that protests across the region are intensifying and could turn violent. The embassy has further warned that the situation in Iran remains volatile and urged American citizens to take immediate precautions.
“Protests across Iran are escalating. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16. U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye.”
The embassy also issued specific guidance for dual nationals, underlining the risks they face while in the country. "U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone."
Land routes and grounded flights
The situation on the ground is described as "volatile" and rapidly deteriorating. Major airlines have already begun slashing schedules, with several suspending all services until at least Friday, January 16.
For those unable to find a seat on a plane, the State Department's advice is clear. They have been asked to take land routes. Americans are being urged to cross into Armenia or Turkiye if it is safe to do so. The embassy warned that the citizens should expect total internet blackout, closure of roads and heightened security presence.
Deadly trap for dual nationals
The warning is particularly dire for US-Iranian dual nationals. The Iranian government does not recognise dual citizenship, meaning those holding two passports are viewed solely as Iranians by local authorities.
"Showing a US passport can be reason enough for detention," the embassy warned. Dual citizens are being forced to exit on an Iranian passport, facing a "significant risk" of interrogation, arrest and prolonged detention.
600 dead, thousands seized
The scale of the unrest is staggering. According to the rights group HRANA, the death toll has climbed to 599 people, comprising 510 protesters and 89 security personnel, since the demonstrations ignited on December 28. In a massive crackdown to stifle the uprising, at least 10,694 individuals have been swept up in arrests across the country.
