A stark warning has been issued to American citizens remaining in Iran: leave immediately. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, fueled by widespread anti-government protests that have gripped the nation for weeks.
The unrest, initially sparked by economic desperation – soaring inflation and a collapsing currency – has exploded into a nationwide challenge to the government. What began with shopkeepers and merchants voicing their concerns has morphed into violent clashes between protesters and security forces in cities and on university campuses.
Reports indicate a devastating toll. An activist group, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, estimates over 600 people have been killed, including more than 500 protesters and 134 members of the security forces. The escalating violence and unpredictable nature of the demonstrations pose an extreme risk to anyone present.
The U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran is urging citizens to formulate independent departure plans, emphasizing that relying on assistance from the U.S. government is not advisable. Options suggested include land crossings into Armenia or Turkey, contingent on safety, and securing essential supplies if immediate departure isn’t possible.
Significant disruptions are compounding the danger. The Iranian government has severely restricted access to communication networks – mobile, landline, and internet – creating a climate of isolation and uncertainty. Airlines are also limiting or canceling flights, further hindering travel.
For U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, the situation is particularly precarious. Iran does not recognize dual citizenship, meaning they will be treated solely as Iranian citizens, potentially facing the full force of the legal system without U.S. consular protection.
The embassy stresses that simply possessing a U.S. passport or acknowledging connections to the United States can be grounds for detention by Iranian authorities. Discretion and caution are paramount for anyone attempting to leave the country.
While some border crossings remain open, they are not without complications. Turkmenistan requires special authorization for U.S. citizens, and access to Azerbaijan from Iran has been restricted during periods of heightened tension, like the conflict earlier this year.
The United States maintains no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran. The Swiss government, through its embassy in Tehran, currently serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests, offering a limited channel for assistance.
This urgent warning builds upon a “Level 4 – Do not travel” advisory issued in December, citing the risks of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. The situation has demonstrably worsened since that initial assessment.
