The US Embassy in Iran has issued an urgent directive for all American citizens to evacuate the country immediately, citing escalating protests that could potentially turn violent, leading to arrests and injuries.
US citizens have been advised to make their exit via land routes to Armenia or Turkey if it is safe to do so. According to the State Department’s website, “Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing.”
“The Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16.”
For those unable to leave, the State Department recommends finding a secure location within their residence or another safe building, and ensuring they have essential items such as water, medications and other necessities on hand.
Moreover, the government agency emphasises that US-Iranian dual nationals must depart Iran using Iranian passports.
“The Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality and will treat US-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Showing a US passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone,” the website states.
The stark warning from the State Department follows President Donald Trump‘s claim on Sunday night aboard Air Force One that Iran wishes to enter negotiations with Washington after his threats to launch strikes against the Islamic Republic over its violent suppression of demonstrators.
Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday that Iranian leaders had contacted him and “they want to negotiate.”
He went on to say that “a meeting is being set up” but cautioned that “we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting.”
Iranian officials have indicated they are prepared to engage in dialogue whilst simultaneously cautioning against any military action.
The situation was now “under total control,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated during a briefing with foreign ambassadors in Tehran.
Iran had previously issued warnings of swift retaliation against the US should Trump proceed with strikes against the nation.
The countrywide protests have been ongoing for weeks, with a complete internet shutdown in place, and reports suggest over 500 people have been killed and approximately 10,000 detained.
Iran’s police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan told state TV that confrontation with protesters had been intensified, with arrests on Saturday night of what he described as “key figures.”
He attributed a “significant proportion of fatalities” to “trained and directed individuals” rather than security forces, though he provided no further specifics. He continued: “Last night, significant arrests were made of the main elements in the riots, who, God willing, will be punished after going through legal procedures.”
