The Trump administration has issued a strong warning to all US citizens in Iran to leave immediately as protests across the country intensify. The warning comes amid reports of violent crackdowns, road closures, and widespread internet blackouts.
A security alert from the virtual US Embassy in Iran urges Americans to “leave Iran now” and to make plans that do not depend on US government help. “Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing,” the alert said. “The Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued special notices due to risks in civil aviation over Iran. U.S. travellers are advised to check FAA restrictions before flying in or near the country.
US urges citizens to leave Iran immediately
The US State Department advises Americans not to travel to Iran for any reason. “Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention,” the advisory says.
The alert emphasises that there is no US Embassy in Iran, and emergency assistance is limited. The Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for US interests in Iran.
Since October 15, 2025, routine consular services in Iran are no longer available. This includes applying for passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and other notarial services. “This change reinforces the travel advice to US citizens: Do Not Travel to Iran,” the State Department said.
The Swiss Protecting Power will continue to provide emergency services, such as help with emergency passports, death reports, detained U.S. citizens, and welfare checks, but only when security conditions allow.
High risk of detention and kidnapping
According to the travel advisory, US citizens in Iran might face serious risks. The advisory warns of kidnapping, wrongful detention, torture, and even long-term imprisonment. “US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Having a US passport or connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone,” the advisory says.
Certain groups are especially at risk, including dual US-Iranian nationals, students, journalists, business travellers, and former US government or military employees. Iranian law allows authorities to punish anyone accused of “collaboration with a hostile state,” including contacts with foreign governments or organisations
Dual citizenship is not recognised
According to the State Department, Iran does not recognise US citizenship for dual nationals and may treat them solely as Iranian citizens. Swiss consular officers cannot visit detained dual nationals. Those with prior travel to Israel can face prison sentences of two to five years.
Travellers are urged to avoid large gatherings and maintain a plan to leave in an emergency without relying on the US government’s help. According to the advisory, US-Iranian dual nationals must use their Iranian passports to leave the country.
Emergency warnings
According to the US travel advisory, companies offering surrogacy services in Iran have been found to misrepresent safety conditions. Private operators may put US citizens at risk, and children born through surrogacy may not automatically get US citizenship, depending on genetic or gestational connections. “A child born abroad to a surrogate will not automatically acquire US citizenship if they are not genetically or gestationally linked to a US citizen parent or their spouse. This means the child cannot get a US passport to leave Iran,” the advisory said.
The State Department recommends that Americans in Iran:
- “Be ready for the possibility of detention for an unknown length of time, possibly without clear reason, and without the ability to contact anyone for help.”
- Draft a will and designate insurance beneficiaries
- Share important documents and contacts with loved ones
- Enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and alerts
- Get alerts from the US Department of State via WhatsApp
- Check CDC travel health information for Iran
- Purchase travel insurance that includes evacuation assistance, medical coverage, and trip cancellations
“The US government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart using the following options. You should leave only if you believe it is safe to do so.” “US citizens in Iran should leave immediately. There is no US Embassy in Iran, and the risks are severe,” the advisory concludes.