The United States Virtual Embassy in Iran has issued an urgent advisory urging American citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing rapidly escalating protests that could become violent. The warning highlights risks such as arrests, injuries, heavy security measures, road closures, disruptions to public transport, and widespread internet shutdowns. Iranian authorities have also restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet services.

The advisory notes that multiple airlines have suspended or limited flights to and from Iran, causing significant travel disruptions. US citizens are advised to prepare for ongoing communication outages and, if it is safe, to exit the country by land via Armenia or Turkey without relying on US government assistance.

For those unable to leave, the embassy recommends staying in secure locations, stocking essential supplies, avoiding demonstrations, maintaining a low profile, and closely monitoring local developments. It also warns that US nationals, especially dual US-Iranian citizens, face serious risks of questioning, arrest, or detention, as Iran does not recognize dual nationality.

The advisory comes amid widespread demonstrations across several provinces, driven by economic hardship, inflation, and public dissatisfaction with governance. Human rights groups report hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests linked to the unrest. Meanwhile, the White House stated that while diplomacy remains the preferred approach, all options, including military action, remain under consideration in dealing with Iran.