Dubai: The virtual US Embassy in Iran issued an urgent directive Friday for all American citizens to "leave Iran immediately," as the region braces for high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Oman amid a climate of severe domestic instability.

The advisory cited a deteriorating security environment characterised by road closures, transport failures, and a near-total communications blackout. "Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing. The Government of Iran continues to restrict access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran," the statement read.

US officials warned that the blackout of global internet platforms and landlines is likely to persist. Citizens currently in the country were told to establish secondary communication plans and, if a safe window opens, to consider overland evacuation routes through Armenia or Turkiye.

"Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help," the advisory stated, noting that the US lacks a diplomatic presence in Tehran and cannot guarantee safe passage. "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."

Risks for Dual Nationals

The State Department highlighted the particular peril faced by dual US-Iranian nationals, whom Tehran does not recognise as American citizens.

"US-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality and will treat US-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens," the advisory warned. It further cautioned that "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."

Evacuation Routes and Border Status

As of Friday, the embassy confirmed several land border options, though it emphasised that travellers "should leave only if you believe it is safe to do so."

  • Armenia: The Agarak/Norduz crossing remains open. US passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 180 days.
  • Turkiye: Crossings at Gurbulak/Bazargan, Kapikoy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow are operational. US citizens are permitted a 90-day visa-free stay.
  • Turkmenistan: While borders are open, Americans must obtain prior authorisation facilitated by the US Embassy in Ashgabat.
  • Azerbaijan: Land borders remain closed to routine traffic; entry requires exceptional approval through the US Embassy in Baku.

The US government strictly advised against attempting to flee through Afghanistan, Iraq, or the volatile Iran-Pakistan border region.

The warning comes as President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Iranian leadership ahead of Friday’s talks in Muscat, suggesting Tehran should be "very worried" as a US naval fleet moves toward the Middle East. Since late 2025, Iran has been gripped by massive anti-government protests, which human rights monitors say have met with a lethal state crackdown.

The Swiss Embassy in Tehran continues to act as the protecting power for US interests in the absence of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and the Islamic Republic.