US urges citizens to leave Iran amid protests

The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Tehran has urged its citizens to leave Iran amid large-scale protests, internet access restrictions, and disruptions to public transportation.

In a notice on its official website, the Embassy advised Americans to plan alternative means of communication and, if possible, to leave the country via land borders with Armenia, Türkiye, or Turkmenistan, per Caliber.Az.

The State Department message clarified: “If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.”

U.S. citizens with dual nationality are recommended to use their Iranian passports for departure, as Tehran does not recognise their U.S. citizenship.

The statement also emphasises that the U.S. government has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran, and that Switzerland represents U.S. interests in Tehran.

The ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, now in their 16th day since erupting on December 28, 2025, were triggered by the collapse of the Iranian rial, hyperinflation, skyrocketing food and essential goods prices, energy shortages, and perceived government mismanagement.

As of January 12, at least 544 people, including 48 security personnel, have died during demonstrations, according to the rights group HRANA. Authorities have arrested over 10,600 individuals since the demonstrations began.

By Khagan Isayev