US warns Americans to ‘leave Iran now’

Those who cannot flee have been advised to find a secure location and stock up on essentials

The US State Department has issued an urgent security alert, warning all American citizens in Iran to depart the country immediately without expecting any assistance from Washington.

The Islamic Republic has been gripped by nationwide unrest since late December, resulting in deadly clashes with the authorities. Tehran has imposed severe restrictions, shutting down mobile and internet networks to curb what it describes as foreign-fueled violence.

“Leave Iran now,” the US Virtual Embassy Tehran said on Monday. It urged citizens to make their own risk assessments and travel plans because “the US government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart.”

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“US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran,” the advisory states, adding that possessing a US passport alone can be grounds for detention. It warned that dual nationals must exit using only their Iranian passports.

The advisory further instructs those unable to depart to “find a secure location within your residence or another safe building” and stockpile food, water, medication, and other essentials.

Tensions between Tehran, Washington, and West Jerusalem have remained high since summer 2025, when the US joined Israel in a conflict with Iran and bombed key nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump has argued that the attack preempted the development of a nuclear weapon – claims that Tehran has denied.

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Last week, Trump said his administration is considering “some very strong options,” with potential airstrikes described as “one of the many options on the table.”

In response, Iranian officials have vowed that US and Israeli military bases and personnel would become “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes.

Tehran also claims it has evidence of foreign-backed infiltrators, including Mossad operatives, working to create chaos and give Washington a pretext to intervene.