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The United States has issued an urgent alert advising its nationals in Iran to depart the country as soon as possible, pointing to mounting tensions and an increasingly unstable security situation. The warning, released by the Virtual U.S. Embassy, stresses that Americans should make their own arrangements to leave without relying on U.S. government assistance, as travel and communication networks could be disrupted.
The advisory comes ahead of planned talks between Washington and Tehran in Oman and follows reports of tightened security, roadblocks, reduced public transport, heavy internet restrictions, and frequent flight cancellations. Strains between the two countries have grown sharper after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military action in response to Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that erupted in December 2025. The United States has also deployed a naval task force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Gulf.
Americans in Iran are being encouraged to consider overland departures to neighboring countries such as Armenia or Turkey if conditions allow. Travelers are warned that flights may be cancelled with little notice and should stay in close contact with airlines for updates.
For those unable to leave immediately, the embassy recommends remaining indoors in a secure location, keeping sufficient supplies of food, water, and essential medicines, and avoiding demonstrations or large gatherings. Citizens are urged to keep phones charged, monitor local news, stay in touch with family and friends, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
The advisory also notes that U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran using an Iranian passport, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. Americans are cautioned that they face a heightened risk of questioning, arrest, or detention, and that displaying a U.S. passport or other U.S. ties could increase that risk.
While land crossings into Armenia and Turkey are open and allow visa-free stays for limited periods, other borders have restrictions or require prior authorization. The United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with Iran, and U.S. interests there are represented by the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.
