The United States (US) state department has urged US citizens in Iran to leave the country through Armenia or Turkey amid growing unrest between the two nations.
In a post on X, the department said that the government of Iran continues to restrict access to mobile, landline, internet and global networks.
In view of airlines canceling flights to and from Iran, the authority urged citizens to consider leaving Iran through land routes. It also advised concerned citizens to stay on high alert regarding potential internet outages and plan alternative communication channels accordingly.
US citizens in Iran on high alert
The security alert issued by the US Virtual Embassy in Iran, further warned against attending demonstrations, requesting citizens to keep a low profile. They were also instructed to monitor local media for breaking news and to maintain close contact with family members.
The authority listed down several travel routes with frequent updates about their availability on their official website. As of Thursday, land borders that are currently open are Agarak/Norduz in Armenia, Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow in Turkey along with Turkmenistan.
The Embassy also warned US citizens against the use of land routes in Afghanistan, Iraq and the border of Pakistan and Iran.
US-Iran dual nationals have also been advised to exit the country through Iranian passports since the Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality. US nationals in Iran have been informed on several occasions that they are at risk of interrogation, arrest and potential detention in the Islamic Republic.
The US government further stated that US citizens in Iran should only leave if they feel safe to do so and that safety cannot be guaranteed if they choose to leave through land borders.
