US Urges Citizens to Leave Iran as Protests Turn Deadly

In a stark warning issued on Monday, the US State Department advised all American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately, emphasizing that Washington cannot guarantee their safety. The advisory comes amid escalating nationwide unrest in the Islamic Republic, which authorities say has been fuelled by violent protests since late December.

“US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention,” the State Department’s Virtual Embassy Tehran alert read. The advisory highlighted that even carrying a US passport could be grounds for detention and cautioned dual nationals to leave using only their Iranian passports.

Shutdowns and Survival Guidance

The unrest has prompted Tehran to impose severe restrictions, including shutting down mobile networks and cutting internet access. Citizens remaining in the country were urged to find safe locations and stockpile essentials such as food, water, and medicine.

Social media reactions show growing alarm among Americans and dual citizens in Iran. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) report anxiety over family members trapped amid internet blackouts, with some calling for international diplomatic intervention.

Rising Tensions with the US

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified since summer 2025, when US and Israeli forces struck Iranian nuclear sites. President Donald Trump defended the operation as preemptive, aimed at halting nuclear weapon developmenta claim strongly denied by Tehran.

Last week, Trump warned of “very strong options,” including potential airstrikes, as part of ongoing pressure on the Iranian government. In response, Tehran has stated that any US or Israeli military bases and personnel could become “legitimate targets” if intervention occurs.

Tehran’s Security Concerns

Iranian officials have accused foreign intelligence operatives, including Mossad agents, of infiltrating the country to sow chaos and provide a pretext for Western military action. Meanwhile, the nationwide unrest continues to pose serious risks to civilians and foreign nationals alike.

Analysts note that the US advisory is unusually forceful, reflecting both the intensity of the current protests and the broader geopolitical tensions that have left the region on edge.

What This Means for Travelers

For Americans currently in Iran, experts advise immediate departure if possible. Those unable to leave should remain indoors, avoid large gatherings, and maintain contingency plans for food, water, and medical care. The advisory underscores the reality that US consular assistance is limited under current circumstances.

For now, the streets of Tehran remain tense, communication is severely restricted, and the threat of military escalation looms, highlighting just how precarious the situation has become for both citizens and foreigners.

{Source: IOL}

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