The U.S. Department of State issued a security alert early Tuesday regarding Iran, urging U.S. citizens to consider departing the country overland via Armenia or Turkey due to ongoing protests and recent developments inside Iran.
اضافة اعلان
In the alert, the State Department said that protests across Iran are escalating, while security measures continue to intensify. Road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and ongoing internet shutdowns persist.
It noted that airlines continue to restrict or cancel flights to and from Iran, with many services suspended until Friday, January 16.
The department advised U.S. citizens to expect continued internet outages and to plan for alternative means of communication.
It emphasized that if Americans find a safe route, they should depart Iran overland to Armenia or Turkey.
The alert also clarified that Iranian-American dual nationals must exit Iran using Iranian passports, stressing that the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and treats Iranian-American dual citizens solely as Iranian nationals.
The State Department warned that U.S. citizens face a significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran, noting that displaying a U.S. passport or demonstrating ties to the United States may be sufficient grounds for Iranian authorities to detain an individual.
In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced early Tuesday the imposition of a 25% tariff on any country that conducts trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In a post on the “Truth Social” platform, Trump stated: “Effective immediately, any country that trades with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a 25% tariff on all of its trade with the United States.”
He affirmed that the decision is final and binding.
Iran has been witnessing ongoing protests since late December 2025, triggered by a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial and rising prices. The protests have spread to more than 20 Iranian cities. While authorities have pledged to address economic problems, they have also vowed to confront acts of violence and sabotage.
Iranian officials have accused Israel and the United States of being involved in the recent events in Iran.
Meanwhile, President Trump has hinted at the possibility of launching a military strike against Iran in response to the ongoing protests, while Iranian officials warned that Iran would respond to any U.S. military action, indicating that any response would include Israeli targets.
Source: RT
