Washington: Amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, the United States has warned its citizens in Iran to leave the country “immediately.” The advisory, issued by the Virtual US Embassy in Iran, urged American nationals to prepare a departure plan that does not rely on assistance from the US government, citing continued unrest and travel disruptions.
The United States and Iran have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent US embassy hostage crisis in Tehran. However, tensions have sharply escalated after US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran over its violent crackdown on a large protest movement that began in late December 2025.
Trump has said he has deployed what he described as an “armada” to the Gulf, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its escort vessels, which have been stationed in the region since late January.
New US advisory
In its latest advisory, the US government told citizens to “leave Iran now” and to have a departure plan that does not depend on US government support.
The advisory warned that continued internet outages are likely and urged Americans to plan alternative means of communication. If safe, US citizens were advised to consider leaving Iran by land through Armenia or Turkey.
“Flight cancellations and disruptions are possible with little warning. Check directly with airlines for updates,” the advisory said. “If you cannot leave, find a secure location, stock food, water, medications and other essential supplies, avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and remain alert.”
The advisory also urged Americans to monitor local media for breaking developments, keep mobile phones charged, maintain contact with family members, and enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Washington further advised US-Iranian dual nationals to exit Iran using Iranian passports, noting that Tehran does not recognise dual nationality and treats dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens.
“US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest and detention in Iran,” the advisory said, warning that possession of a US passport or visible links to the United States could be sufficient grounds for detention. It also cautioned that the US government cannot guarantee citizens’ safety at land border crossings.
US-Iran tensions
The US and Iran remain locked in a standoff over negotiations, with Washington insisting that talks include Iran’s missile programme, while Tehran has said it is willing to discuss only its nuclear activities. The deadlock has led to mutual threats of airstrikes and raised doubts over the prospects of renewed diplomacy.
Asked on Wednesday whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be concerned, Trump told NBC News, “I would say he should be very worried.”
Turkey, which is involved in diplomatic efforts, has sought to prevent the standoff from escalating into a wider regional conflict. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said talks at the leadership level between the US and Iran could be helpful, as lower-level nuclear negotiations are scheduled to be held in Oman on Friday.
Erdogan said Turkey was doing its utmost to prevent escalation, amid concerns that disagreements over Iran’s missile arsenal could derail negotiations and further destabilise the Middle East. (Agencies)
