New Travel Warning Issued for US Residents in Iran: ‘Depart Now’

The U.S. State Department and Virtual Embassy Tehran issued a sweeping warning to American residents in Iran to “leave now,” citing a surge in nationwide protests, violence and web blackout.

The advisory got here Monday as Iran entered its third week of anti-government demonstrations, with a whole bunch killed and 1000’s detained, in keeping with rights teams and information stories.

Why It Matters

This pressing name to go away Iran highlights the hovering dangers amid ongoing civil unrest within the Middle Eastern nation. The U.S. has no embassy or consulate there.

The Swiss Embassy in Tehran supplies emergency companies solely, with routine consular help unavailable. U.S. residents in detention—particularly twin nationals—hardly ever obtain outdoors help.

Recent occasions—together with safety crackdowns, restrictions on overseas journey and a near-complete telecommunications blackout—have made circumstances extremely perilous for foreigners in Iran.

What To Know

The U.S. State Department has maintained its highest journey advisory—Level 4: Do Not Travel—for Iran, explicitly warning that U.S. residents threat arbitrary detention, torture and denial of consular assist as anti-government protests have unfold nationwide.

Last month, the division reported instances by which Americans, particularly twin U.S.-Iranian residents, confronted prolonged imprisonment and had been denied authorized due course of. Iranian legislation doesn’t acknowledge twin citizenship, treating U.S.-Iranian twin nationals solely as Iranians and excluding them from U.S. or Swiss consular intervention.

Human rights organizations on Sunday reported at the least 503 protesters had been killed and almost 10,700 arrested throughout the nation.

Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total blockade of cell, landline and web companies, with customers dropping connectivity for as much as 4 straight days. In parallel, the federal government has intensified safety throughout city facilities by closing roads, disrupting transit and raiding houses suspected of illicit satellite tv for pc communications.

Authorities mentioned the blackout would stay in place till they restore what they outline as nationwide safety, CNN reported.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a 25 p.c tariff on nations conducting enterprise with Iran, because the administration weighed attainable army choices.

The White House mentioned that whereas non-public messages from Iranian officers trace at a willingness to barter, public rhetoric remained hostile. Iranian officers, together with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, blamed overseas interference for unrest and threatened retribution in opposition to U.S. pursuits within the area, CNN additionally reported.

Due to suspended flights and heightened dangers, Americans are suggested to go away Iran by land—significantly to Armenia or Turkey, the place border crossings remained open as of Monday.

Those searching for to cross into Turkmenistan require advance authorization, whereas entry into Azerbaijan could also be restricted, the embassy alert mentioned.

What People Are Saying

Virtual Embassy Tehran, in a safety alert: “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. 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.”

The U.S. State Department, through its web site: “Do not journey to Iran because of the threat of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. residents, and wrongful detention. Do not journey to Iran for any motive. U.S. residents in Iran ought to depart instantly. There is not any U.S. Embassy in Iran.”

Trump, in a Truth Social post Monday: “Effective instantly, any Country doing enterprise with the Islamic Republic of Iran can pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all enterprise being executed with the United States of America. This Order is remaining and conclusive. Thank you to your consideration to this matter!”

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iranian parliament speaker, via Press TV Monday, per CNN: “Come and see what will happen to American ships and military bases in the region. Come and burn in the fire of the Iranian nation so severely that it becomes a lasting lesson in history for all oppressive U.S. rulers. Come and find out what will happen to you and to the region.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, on Monday: “What you’re listening to publicly from the Iranian regime is sort of totally different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I believe the president has an curiosity in exploring these messages.”

What Happens Next

U.S. officials continue advising citizens to avoid travel to Iran and to leave the country immediately if present, warning that the risks—arrest, violence or prolonged detention—outweigh all other considerations. Flights remain restricted, making land borders the primary exit option.

The U.S. authorities is monitoring the developments for any alternatives to help remaining residents, however emphasizes that Americans shouldn’t depend on U.S. assist. Diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Iran stays strained, as either side contemplate their response to the continuing protests and crackdown.