Washington, DC – In a move reflecting the gravity of the situation on the ground, the United States issued an urgent and strongly worded security alert, urging all its citizens currently in Iran to leave “without delay.”
This decision comes amidst escalating popular protests sweeping Iranian cities, raising concerns about safety near borders, and serious concerns that the country could descend into unprecedented violence and arbitrary arrests.
Leaving by land… the only option
The virtual US embassy in Tehran explained that air travel options are now virtually nonexistent. This is due to the suspension of flights by international airlines. Washington advised its citizens to take alternative routes, stating:
“US citizens should plan for alternative means of communication due to the internet outage. They should immediately depart by land via the Armenian or Turkish borders, relying entirely on their own efforts to make travel arrangements.”
Warning for dual nationals
The statement devoted particular attention to dual Iranian-American citizens. It warned that Tehran does not recognize their legal status as Americans. Washington emphasized that simply possessing or displaying a U.S. passport is currently “sufficient grounds” for Iranian authorities to detain and prolong their imprisonment under the pretext of “affiliation with a hostile state.”
Map of restricted areas
The US warning drew geographical “red lines” that must not be approached, including:
The Azerbaijani borders: due to military restrictions imposed since the tensions of summer 2015.
Volatile border regions: with Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan, due to their high security risks.
Inside Iran: Washington urged those unable to leave to remain in “safe locations.” It advised them to avoid gatherings and stockpile essential supplies.
This US diplomatic mobilization comes at a time when Iran is experiencing its most intense popular unrest in years. This has prompted Washington to raise its alert level to the highest degree, indicating the possibility that the situation could spiral out of control in the near future.
