The US has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Nationwide anti-government protests have been sweeping Iran since late December 2025 amid a rise in violence, leading the US President, Donald Trump, to warn that the military was considering “very strong options” in Iran to protect protesters.
‘Leave Iran Now’
The US Virtual Embassy for Iran published a security alert on Monday, warning American citizens to leave the country. “Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help,” the alert read.
It said that US-Iranian dual nationals must use Iranian passports to exit Iran, as Tehran does not recognize dual nationality and will treat them as Iranians. The security alert warned that US citizens are at high risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran.
Available Departure Routes
The alert advised US nationals to leave by land via the Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz, or Turkish land border crossings with Iran. They can also depart through Turkmenistan’s land borders, but they will need special authorization from the Turkmenistan government before approaching the border.
However, it noted that the US government cannot ensure the safety of American nationals if they choose to depart using any of these options, advising them to leave only if they believe it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, it warned US citizens not to travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.
What to Do If Stuck
The security alert urged US citizens to find a secure location if they cannot leave, and ensure they have a sufficient supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
It also told them to “avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of (their) surroundings,” in addition to following local media for breaking news, keep their phones charged and be ready to adjust their plans.
The US government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for US interests in Iran.
Growing Unrest
The security alert comes in light of the large protests taking place across Iranian cities. “Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries,” it noted.
“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,” it added.
Furthermore, the alert warned US nationals to expect continued internet outages and plan alternative means of communication.
US Threats to Iran
Trump has ramped up his threats against Iran, saying he was considering options against the Iranian regime, including military action, in response to its crackdown on protesters. The US President will meet with his senior advisers on Tuesday to decide on Iran.
Moreover, Trump announced on Monday that the US will impose a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran. “Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Protests in Iran
Large protests erupted in Iran on December 28, 2025 over the country’s economic woes, leading to a shutdown of internet services and phone lines as angry rallies spread across the country.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 544 people have been killed as of Monday, including 496 protesters and 48 security personnel, in addition to over 10,600 people detained.
Trump said that Iranian officials want to negotiate following his threats. Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, claimed on Monday that the situation in Iran has become “under total control,” signaling his country’s openness to negotiations, but stressed its readiness to confront the US.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war. We are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect,” Araghchi said.
