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The United States is telling its citizens to leave Iran, as Washington maintains its pressure on Tehran to cease its crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Adding to threats of military action, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that any country doing business with Iran will face a new tariff of 25%.
The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Tehran said in a statement that U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye.
“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 Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16. Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help. 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,” it said.
It added that the Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz remains open. U.S. citizens entering Armenia from Iran need a valid U.S. passport and may stay for up to 180 days visa-free. U.S. citizens who require assistance should send the following to the U.S. Embassy Yerevan American Citizens Services Unit at ACSYerevan@state.gov: Name, DOB, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), border crossing, and a photograph of the passport biodata page
U.S. citizens with an urgent need to depart Iran via Azerbaijan should be aware that entry into Azerbaijan from Iran has been restricted for U.S. citizens during periods of heightened tension, such as the June 2025 conflict between Iran and Israel. Turkmenistan’s land borders are open, but U.S. citizens need special authorization from the Government of Turkmenistan before approaching the border. Turkish land border crossings with Iran remain open, according to the travel alert.