The United States (US) today issued a warning to US citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately on the website of the US virtual embassy in Iran.
The US government has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran, and US interests in Iran are represented by Switzerland, through its embassy in Tehran.
"Leave Iran immediately. You should have a plan for leaving Iran that is not dependent on U.S. government assistance. If you are unable to leave, find a safe place in your home or another secure building. Stock up on food, water, medicine, and other essentials," the warning reads.
US authorities have stated that dual citizens must leave Iran using an Iranian passport.
"The Iranian government does not recognize dual citizenship and will treat U.S. and Iranian citizens with dual citizenship solely as Iranian citizens. U.S. citizens are at significant risk of interrogation, arrest, and detention in Iran. Showing a U.S. passport or proving ties to the U.S. may be sufficient grounds for Iranian authorities to detain someone," the warning reads.
US authorities state that it is possible to leave Iran by land via the borders with Armenia, Turkey, and Turkmenistan, and add that US citizens require special permission from the Turkmen authorities to cross into Turkmenistan.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said in recent days that he is considering options for military intervention against the Iranian authorities.
Yesterday, Australia also called on its citizens to leave Iran immediately.
The country's Foreign Ministry announced that the number of commercial flights from Iran is decreasing, and that the closure of Iranian airspace is possible soon.
"The response of security forces to the protests was harsh, and many demonstrators and bystanders were injured, killed or detained. Avoid public gatherings and protests. Australians, including those with dual citizenship, are at high risk of arrest," the Australian ministry said on an online domestic travel assistance service.
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