The United States has warned American citizens to leave Iran immediately due to heightened security tensions. The Iranian government has closed several roads, halted public transportation, and cut internet and telephone signals across the country.
The website of the US Embassy in Tehran has issued an alert urging American citizens to depart Iran as soon as possible if they can, citing ongoing concerns over the tense situation. It noted that many airlines continue to restrict or cancel flights to and from Iran, often abruptly and without prior notice, making departures highly uncertain.
US authorities advise American citizens to prepare alternative communication plans in case internet and phone networks are cut. They also suggest that, if safe, travelers consider leaving Iran by land through Armenia or Turkey instead of relying on air travel.
The warning emphasizes risks for US citizens holding dual Iranian-American nationality, stating that the Iranian government does not recognize dual citizenship and treats such individuals solely as Iranian nationals. This poses a high risk of interrogation, detention, or arrest, with possession of a US passport or connections to the US potentially leading to detention.
Meanwhile, the US government stresses that it cannot guarantee the safety of citizens choosing to remain or depart Iran at this time and urges individuals to carefully assess the risks involved.
For those unable to leave the country, officials recommend avoiding gatherings, staying in safe locations, ensuring adequate supplies of food, water, and medicine, closely monitoring local news, and maintaining contact with family and close associates as much as possible.
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