Tehran — Protests across Iran are escalating, raising fears of increased violence, mass arrests, and injuries as security forces tighten their grip on major cities. Authorities have imposed sweeping security measures, including road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and widespread restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet networks.
The Iranian government has significantly curtailed access to communications, leaving residents and foreigners struggling to stay connected amid the unrest. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several international carriers suspending services until at least Friday, January 16.
The deteriorating security situation has prompted urgent travel warnings for foreign nationals, particularly U.S. citizens, who are being advised to prepare for prolonged internet outages and to identify alternative means of communication. Where it is considered safe, travelers are being encouraged to leave Iran, including via overland routes to neighboring countries.
Heightened Risks for Foreign Nationals
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he’s cutting off the prospect of talks with Iranian officials amid a protest crackdown, telling Iranian citizens “help is on its way.” The U.S. urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, and advised them to consider departing by land to Turkey or Armenia, according to a notice released on Tuesday by the U.S. virtual embassy in Tehran. “U.S. citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Türkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so,” the notice said.
Trump did not offer any details about what the help would entail, but it comes after the Republican president just days ago said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic, where the death toll from nationwide protests has spiked to more than 2,000, according to human rights monitors.
U.S. nationals are considered to be at significant risk of questioning, arrest, or detention in Iran. Authorities have warned that merely displaying a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States may be grounds for detention. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality, meaning U.S.-Iranian dual citizens are treated solely as Iranian nationals and must exit the country using Iranian passports.
Officials caution that the U.S. government cannot guarantee the safety of citizens attempting to depart and urge individuals to make independent travel decisions only if they believe it is safe to do so.
Land Borders Remain an Exit Option
Despite the unrest, several land border crossings remain open:
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Armenia: The Agarak/Norduz border crossing remains open. U.S. citizens entering Armenia with a valid U.S. passport may stay for up to 180 days without a visa. Those requiring assistance are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan.
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Türkiye: Turkish land borders at Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow are open. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals traveling on Iranian or Turkish passports do not require advance approval, while others may need to coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.
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Turkmenistan: Land borders are open, but entry requires special authorization from the Turkmen government, facilitated through the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat.
Safety Measures Urged
Individuals unable to leave Iran are being urged to shelter in secure locations, stock essential supplies such as food, water, and medications, and avoid demonstrations. Authorities also advise maintaining a low profile, closely monitoring local media, keeping mobile devices charged, and staying in contact with family and friends to share updates on personal safety.
Travelers are further encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security alerts and guidance.
As protests continue to spread and restrictions tighten, uncertainty remains high, with observers warning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly in the coming days.
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