Over 600 Killed, US urges citizens to leave Iran immediately amid unrest

The United States on Monday issued a strong advisory urging its citizens to “leave Iran now” amid escalating unrest across the Islamic Republic, warning that nationwide protests against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime could turn violent and severely disrupt daily life.In an alert issued by the US embassy, American nationals were cautioned that demonstrations across Iran are intensifying and may lead to “arrests, injuries and severe disruptions,” as Iranian authorities ramp up security measures. The advisory noted that road closures, public transport interruptions and widespread internet blockages are already in effect.“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 embassy said.
The alert added that the Iranian government has restricted access to mobile, landline and national internet networks, complicating communication for foreign nationals. It also warned of major travel disruptions, with several airlines limiting or cancelling flights to and from Iran. “Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16,” the advisory said.

Iran: Protests across Iran are escalating. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16.… pic.twitter.com/AneGPdfn6I

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) January 12, 2026

Urging immediate caution, the embassy advised US citizens to consider departing Iran by land through Armenia or Turkey. “US 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,” it said, adding bluntly: “Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help.”For those unable to leave, the embassy recommended finding a secure location and stockpiling essential supplies. “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, while advising citizens to avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and remain alert to their surroundings.
The advisory also highlighted heightened risks for US nationals, particularly dual citizens. “US-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat US-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens,” it said. It further warned that US nationals face a “significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention,” noting that displaying a US passport or demonstrating links to the United States could be sufficient grounds for detention.The warning comes amid reports of large demonstrations in several provinces, including Azerbaijan province and the central city of Arak. Iranian state-run Press TV reported crowds waving flags and chanting slogans in support of Iran, indicating a mix of protests and counter-protests following days of unrest linked to rising inflation, economic hardship and public anger over governance. According to reports, at least 646 people have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested amid the turmoil.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also issued a warning to the United States, writing on X that “Iran’s great nation showcased its resolve and identity to its enemies,” calling it a message to US politicians “to cease their deceptions and not rely on treacherous mercenaries.”

ملّت بزرگ ایران، خود را و همّت و هویت خود را به رخ دشمنان کشید.
این #هشداری_به_سیاستمداران_آمریکا بود که فریبکاری خود را متوقف کنند و به مزدوران خائن تکیه نکنند. /۲ pic.twitter.com/RA1rcKDa94

— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی (@Khamenei_fa) January 12, 2026

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has adopted a hardline stance against the Khamenei-led regime, including measures targeting countries doing business with Iran. Escalating pressure further, Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff with immediate effect on such nations. “Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” he wrote in a social media post.