US urges citizens to leave Iran immediately amid rising tensions and threat of strikes
Advisory warns that US authorities may not be able to provide assistance and urged citizens to have an independent departure plan
PTC Web Desk: The United States has issued an urgent advisory for all American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately, citing growing unrest, travel disruptions and escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The advisory, issued by the Virtual US Embassy in Iran, warned that US authorities may not be able to provide assistance and urged citizens to have an independent departure plan.
The advisory comes in the backdrop of heightened confrontation between the US and Iran. Relations have been strained since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis, but tensions have surged in recent weeks after US President Donald Trump threatened military action in response to Iran's crackdown on widespread protests that began in late December 2025.
President Trump has deployed what he calls an “armada” to the Gulf region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying vessels. This show of force has been in the area since late January, raising concerns of potential conflict.
The US advisory outlined several urgent precautions for Americans: Citizens are advised to prepare an evacuation plan that does not rely on US government help. Expect internet and communication outages; plan alternative ways to stay in contact with family. Consider leaving Iran via land routes to Armenia or Turkey, if it is safe to do so.
Anticipate flight cancellations or disruptions, and check with airlines for updates. Those unable to depart should find secure locations, stock food, water, medications and avoid demonstrations. Enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates.
The advisory also cautioned US-Iranian dual nationals to travel using their Iranian passports. Iran does not recognise dual nationality and dual citizens may be treated solely as Iranian citizens, putting them at risk of questioning, detention or arrest.
US-Iran Tensions
The current standoff revolves around Iran’s missile programme and nuclear negotiations. The US insists on including Tehran’s missile capabilities in talks, while Iran has limited discussions to its nuclear programme. This impasse has raised fears of potential airstrikes.
Turkey, acting as a mediator, has urged diplomatic solutions and is attempting to prevent escalation in the Middle East. President Tayyip Erdogan emphasised the importance of high-level talks between US and Iranian leadership after lower-level nuclear negotiations in Oman are expected to continue.
President Trump, when asked whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be concerned, responded, “I would say he should be very worried. Yeah, he should be,” signaling the US’s readiness to act if negotiations fail.
US authorities emphasised that American citizens remain at significant risk in Iran, and those in the country should act quickly to safeguard themselves.