‘Leave Iran now,’ U.S. embassy tells Americans
The United States has urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, warning that escalating protests, travel disruptions and communications blackouts have sharply increased the risk of arrest and violence.
In a nationwide alert issued by the U.S. virtual embassy in Iran, Washington said demonstrations were intensifying and could turn violent, while Iranian authorities had imposed sweeping security measures, including road closures, transport disruptions and restrictions on mobile, landline and internet services.
Airlines have also limited or suspended flights to and from Iran, with several cancellations expected to last until at least January 16.
“Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help,” a portion of the warning read.
The embassy advised Americans to depart without relying on US government assistance and, if safe, to consider leaving by land via Armenia or Türkiye, both of which currently have open border crossings.
Those unable to leave were told to shelter in place, avoid demonstrations, stock up on essential supplies and maintain a low profile.
The warning highlighted heightened risks for U.S. nationals, particularly dual U.S.-Iranian citizens, whom Iran does not recognise as holding dual nationality.
The alert said U.S. ties or showing a U.S. passport could be sufficient grounds for questioning, detention or arrest by Iranian authorities. Dual nationals were reminded they must exit Iran using Iranian passports.
No U.S. embassy in Iran
The U.S. said its ability to assist citizens was severely limited, noting it has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran.
As early as June 2025, the U.S. had already ordered the departure of selected diplomatic staff from Iran, while consular services were completely shut down by October. This explains why there is only a “virtual” embassy in Iran.
Switzerland acts as the protecting power for U.S. interests through its embassy in Tehran, but Washington cautioned it could not guarantee safety for those attempting to leave and urged Americans to assess conditions carefully before travelling.
The alert follows days of growing unrest across Iran and comes amid tighter controls on borders and communications, underscoring what the U.S. described as an increasingly volatile and unpredictable security environment for foreigners in the country.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
