The US has called on its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately amid ongoing anti-government protests and as President Donald Trump mulls his options on Iran
“Leave Iran now,” the virtual US Embassy for Iran said in a security alert on Monday, urging its nationals to plan for departing Iran without assistance from the US government.
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It cited the countrywide protests saying that they’re “escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing.”
US citizens, the security alert said, should expect continued internet outages, and hence should plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe conditions allow them to depart Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey.
“US-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat US-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens,” the security alert said.
“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.”
It continued, “The US government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart[…] You should leave only if you believe it is safe to do so.”
For those unable to leave, the embassy advised finding a secure place and ensure that they have the necessities from food and medication.
They should also “avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of [their] surroundings.”
The US does not have direct diplomatic or consular relations with Iran and instead, the Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for US interests in Iran.
