Washington D.C. – The United States government has issued an urgent warning to its citizens currently residing in Iran, strongly advising them to depart the country immediately. This advisory comes amid escalating civil unrest and widespread anti-government protests.
The security alert, disseminated through what is being referred to as the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran, emphasizes the need for American citizens to formulate independent exit strategies, explicitly stating that they should not rely on assistance from the U.S. government.
The statement highlights the increasing volatility of the situation, noting that protests across Iran have the potential to escalate into violence, leading to potential arrests and injuries. Reports indicate that Iranian authorities have implemented stringent security measures, including road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and widespread internet shutdowns.
Furthermore, access to mobile and landline telephone networks, as well as the national internet, has been severely restricted by the Iranian government, hindering communication and the ability to obtain accurate information from within the country.
The advisory mirrors similar actions taken by other nations. The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, has also called for all Australian citizens in Iran to leave immediately, citing the deteriorating security situation and increasing suppression of protestors.
On the economic front, President Trump yesterday imposed a 25% tariff on any country conducting trade with Iran, a clear response to the violent crackdown on anti-government protests. “Effective immediately, any nation engaging in trade with Iran will be subject to a 25% tariff on all business conducted with the United States of America. This decision is final,” Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Recent reports indicate that the ongoing protests in Iran have resulted in a significant number of casualties. Activists estimate that at least 500 individuals have been killed in connection with the protests, with over 10,600 people arrested, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. These developments underscore the deepening crisis facing Iran, both politically and socially.
