The United States has urged all its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately due to escalating anti-government protests and a worsening security situation. The advisory was issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, by the US Virtual Embassy in an emergency directive. It warned that demonstrations across Iran are spreading rapidly and could turn violent at any time, with reports of arrests and injuries. The notice also cited increased security measures, roadblocks, disrupted public transport, and internet shutdowns as factors severely affecting daily life.

According to the directive, the Iranian government has imposed restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet networks, hampering communications and information flow. Many international airlines have suspended or canceled flights to Iran, with some halting operations until at least January 16. US citizens were advised to leave via land routes to Armenia or Turkey if safe, avoid borders with Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan, and prepare for prolonged internet outages. Dual US-Iranian nationals were instructed to use Iranian passports when departing, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship.

The advisory also reminded that the US has no diplomatic or consular presence in Iran, and the Swiss Embassy in Tehran represents US interests there.