US orders citizens to 'leave Iran now' as it weighs response options

The United States has issued an urgent directive for all American citizens to leave Iran "now" as nationwide protests and the potential for a sharp US response create a highly volatile security environment. The virtual US Embassy for Iran, which handles consular affairs in the absence of diplomatic relations, warned nationals on Monday to plan for departure without expecting US government assistance and to find a secure location if they cannot exit.

Specific Travel Advisory Details

The advisory noted the likelihood of continued internet outages and suggested that those who cannot leave the country consider departing by land to Armenia or Türkiye if safe to do so. It specifically warned US-Iranian dual nationals, stating they must exit on their Iranian passports and that demonstrating US ties could be grounds for detention by Iranian authorities, as Tehran does not recognize dual citizenship.

Broader Context of US-Iran Confrontation

The evacuation order coincides with reports that President Donald Trump's national security team is weighing a spectrum of options against Iran, including cyber operations, psychological campaigns, and conventional military strikes. These deliberations follow Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran and his public threats of a forceful response if the Iranian government cracks down on protesters. A final decision is expected following a high-level meeting at the White House on Tuesday.

Türkiye's Role as a Neighbor and Diplomatic Actor

In advising a potential land exit via Türkiye, the US alert implicitly acknowledges Türkiye's role as a stable neighboring state and a potential safe route. This situation highlights Türkiye's critical position in regional crises, where it often provides humanitarian corridors and advocates for de-escalation, in contrast to the US's escalation and unilateral sanctions that exacerbate regional tensions and civilian hardship.