“Leave Iran Now”: US’ Urgent Warning To Americans Amid Trump’s Attack Threat
Amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran, the United States has warned its citizens in Iran to “immediately” leave the West Asian country. The advisory, issued by the Virtual US Embassy in Iran, told American nationals to prepare a departure plan that does not rely on US government help, as unrest and travel disruptions persist across the nation.
The United States and its archrival Iran have been at daggers drawn since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and embassy hostage crisis in Tehran. However, tensions have escalated since US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran in response to its bloody crackdown on the massive protest movement, which began in late December 2025.
Trump has sent what he describes as an “armada” to the Gulf, which includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its escort. The so-called armada has been stationed in the region since late January.
The US advisory told Americans to “leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help.”
It said US citizens should expect continued internet outages. Therefore, they should plan alternative means of communication and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey, it said.
“Flight cancellations and disruptions are possible with little warning. Check directly with your airlines for updates. If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings,” the advisory said.
“Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status. Enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security in Iran,” it added.
Washington also advised US-Iranian dual nationals to exit Iran on Iranian passports. It noted that the Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality and will treat US-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens.
“US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Showing a US passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone. US citizens who do not have a valid US passport in their possession should apply for one at the nearest US embassy or consulate after departing Iran,” it said.
Washington also warned that the US government cannot guarantee its citizens’ safety if they choose to depart land borders.
Iran and the US remain at odds over Washington’s insistence that negotiations include Tehran’s missile arsenal and Iran’s vow to discuss only its nuclear programme, in a standoff that has led to mutual threats of airstrikes. Differences over the scope and venue for the discussions have raised doubts about whether the meeting would take place, leaving open the possibility that Trump could carry out a threat to strike Iran.
Asked on Wednesday whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be worried, Trump told NBC News, “I would say he should be very worried. Yeah, he should be.” He added that “they’re negotiating with us” but did not elaborate.
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Turkey, one of the negotiators, is working hard to prevent US-Iran tensions from tipping the Middle East into a new conflict, as the two adversaries signal that disagreement over Tehran’s missile arsenal threatens to torpedo a deal. President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said talks at the level of the US and Iranian leadership would be helpful after lower-level nuclear negotiations due in Oman on Friday.
Turkey was doing its best to prevent an escalation, said Erdogan, who has spent years cultivating a close relationship with US President Trump while expanding Ankara’s diplomatic influence across the Middle East and beyond.
