Amidst the atmosphere charged with regional tensions and the imminence of a new round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the United States issued a high-level security warning, urging its citizens to leave Iranian territory quickly, warning of serious risks that might threaten their security, and proposing land routes for departure through neighboring countries.
In this context, the US State Department, during the late hours of last night, issued an urgent alert calling on American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately, if possible and safely, in light of escalating tensions and before the start of expected talks between representatives of the United States and Iran, which are expected to begin today in the Sultanate of Oman.
A statement issued by the US State Department included a clear call to leave Iran immediately, emphasizing the necessity of developing a departure plan that does not depend on any US government assistance, warning of the possibility of flights being canceled or exposing them to sudden disruptions, and calling on American citizens to communicate directly with airline companies to follow the latest developments.
In reference to the deteriorating security situation, the US State Department explained that this is not the first time a similar warning has been issued, as similar warnings were previously issued during the month of January, against the backdrop of the widespread protests that Iran witnessed at that time.
In the details of the latest warning, the United States proposed leaving Iranian territory via land routes towards Armenia or Turkey, while emphasizing that the American government cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens, and that they must leave only if they consider it safe to do so. She also confirmed that the Iranian authorities do not recognize dual citizenship, and will deal with holders of both American and Iranian citizenship as Iranian citizens only.
The US State Department warned that American citizens face a great risk of “investigation, detention, or arrest” inside Iran, noting that presenting an “American passport” or proving ties to the United States may constitute “sufficient reason for the arrest of any person by the Iranian authorities.”
In the event that it is not possible to leave, the US State Department called on its citizens to remain in their homes or in safe places, secure a stock of food, water, medicine, and basic materials, avoid demonstrations, maintain a low level of public appearance, while following local media in anticipation of any emergency developments, and staying in touch with family and friends.
It also warned that the Iranian authorities “continue to impose restrictions on cellular and fixed Internet services and national networks,” at a time when airlines are still limiting or canceling their flights to and from Iran completely.
Regarding exit routes, the US State Department clarified that the land crossings between Iran and Armenia via the “Agarak/Norduz” crossing are open, in addition to the land crossings with Turkey, specifically “Gorbulak/Bazergan,” “Kabikoy/Razi,” and “Esendere/Serov,” noting that American citizens can stay in these countries for several weeks without a visa.
She also indicated that the land borders with Turkmenistan are open, but American citizens need special permission from the Turkmen authorities before arriving at the crossing, while the land borders with Azerbaijan remain closed to normal movement, with the possibility of requesting special permits from local authorities to exit.
The US State Department concluded its warning by stressing the need to avoid going to “Afghanistan, Iraq, or the border areas between Pakistan and Iran,” noting that “there are no diplomatic or consular relations between Washington and Tehran, and that Switzerland, through its embassy in Tehran, represents American interests in Iran.”
