Amid the ongoing protests in Iran, the United States has advised its citizens to leave the country, suggesting that those who can should exit by land toward Armenia or Turkiye.
According to the official US virtual embassy in Iran website, Americans are warned to expect further internet disruptions and to arrange backup methods of communication.
“US 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,” it added.
Actions to take:
1. Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help.
2. If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications and other essential items.
3. Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
4. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
5. Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
6. Enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security in Iran.
“US government cannot guarantee your safety”
According to the US Embassy in Iran, US-Iranian dual nationals are required to leave Iran using their Iranian passports. Iran does not recognise dual citizenship and treats US-Iranian dual nationals exclusively as Iranian citizens.
US nationals face a high risk of questioning, arrest, or detention in Iran, and simply presenting a US passport or showing ties to the United States may be sufficient grounds for detention.
It is worth noting that the United States has no diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and US interests in Iran are represented by the Swiss government through its embassy in Tehran.
Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section, Tehran
Iran protests
Trump intensified pressure on Iran late Monday by announcing a 25% tariff on US imports from any country that does business with Tehran, declaring the move “final and conclusive” on social media.
Meanwhile, the US-based rights group HRANA said it had confirmed 646 deaths by late Monday, including 505 protesters, 113 members of the military and security forces, and seven bystanders, and was reviewing reports of an additional 579 deaths.
The group also said that 10,721 people have been arrested since the protests began on 28 December.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Tehran was examining ideas proposed by Washington, although these were "incompatible" with U.S. threats, according to Reuters.
“Communications between (U.S. special envoy Steve) Witkoff and me continued before and after the protests and are still ongoing,” he told Al Jazeera.
In an interview with CBS News, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, who lives in exile in the US, urged Trump to intervene “sooner”.
“I think the president has a decision to make fairly soon,” said Pahlavi, who has urged Iranians to protest and has positioned himself as a transitional leader for the country.
(With inputs from agencies)
