The United States has issued an urgent advisory directing its citizens to leave Iran immediately as protests across the country intensify and the risk of detention rises, particularly for Americans and dual nationals.
In a notice released on Tuesday, the US virtual embassy in Tehran warned that Washington has no diplomatic or consular presence in Iran and therefore cannot provide on-ground assistance. Americans were told to make independent plans to depart and, where possible, consider leaving Iran overland via Turkiye or Armenia. The advisory also cautioned against travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan–Iran border region.
For those unable to leave immediately, the advisory recommended sheltering in place and remaining indoors in secure locations. US citizens were urged to avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, stay alert to local developments, monitor news closely, and be prepared to adjust plans at short notice. Practical guidance included keeping phones charged and having alternative means of communication in case networks are disrupted.
The warning carried particularly strong language for US–Iranian dual nationals. Iran does not recognise dual citizenship and treats dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens, the notice said, adding that Americans face a “significant risk” of questioning, arrest and detention. Displaying a US passport or showing links to the United States could be sufficient grounds for detention by Iranian authorities, it warned.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of sharply deteriorating US–Iran relations and a widening crackdown by Tehran. Iran’s leadership has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting unrest and interfering in its internal affairs. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for the protesters, urging Iranians to continue demonstrations and describing them as “patriots” as the reported death toll from the unrest crossed 2,400.
With violence escalating and communications periodically restricted, US officials stressed that the situation remains volatile and unpredictable, underscoring the urgency of the warning for American citizens still in Iran.
