U.S. issues urgent notice for all American citizens to ‘leave Iran now’

U.S. issues urgent notice for all American citizens to ‘leave Iran now’
Members of the Iranian police attend a pro-government rally in Tehran, Iran, January 12, 2026.
Reuters

The U.S. has issued an urgent security notice calling all American citizens to leave Iran immediately, citing escalating protests, growing violence and widespread communication shutdowns across the country.

The notice warns that demonstrations are intensifying and could turn violent, with arrests and injuries reported. Iranian authorities have increased security measures, imposed road closures, disrupted public transport and restricted access to mobile, landline and national internet networks.

Airlines continue to cancel or limit flights to and from Iran, with several suspending services until at least Friday (16 January). The U.S. warned citizens to expect continued internet outages and advised planning alternative ways to communicate.

Americans in Iran are encouraged to depart by land if it is safe to do so, particularly via Armenia or Türkiye, where border crossings remain open. The notice also stresses that U.S.-Iranian dual nationals are treated solely as Iranian citizens and face a heightened risk of questioning, arrest or detention.

The U.S. said it has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran and cannot guarantee assistance, noting that Switzerland represents U.S. interests in Tehran.

However, Tehran said on Monday it was keeping communication channels with Washington open.

Some senior aides in President Donald Trump's administration, led by Vice President JD Vance, are urging Trump to try diplomacy before strikes against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing U.S. officials.

The White House was weighing an offer from Tehran to engage in talks regarding its nuclear programme as Trump seemed to eye authorising military action against Iran.

A spokesman for Vance said the Journal's report was not accurate.

"Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio together are presenting a suite of options to the President, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military actions," said William Martin, Vance's communications director. "They are presenting those options without bias or favour."

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