US warns citizens to 'leave Iran'

The United States has issued a new warning to its citizens in Iran, urging them to leave the country immediately due to rising protests and security threats.

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In an announcement made by the US Virtual Embassy in Tehran, American citizens were urged to leave Iran immediately using their own means, citing ongoing demonstrations and potential security risks in the country. The statement included the following: “Leave Iran immediately. If you cannot leave, move to a secure location in your home or another safe building.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that while President Donald Trump's priority is diplomacy, military force remains among the options.

Events in Iran stemming from economic hardships continue to lead to instability in the country. The demonstrations, which began on December 28, 2025, with merchants at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran protesting the record rise in exchange rates and the devaluation of the local currency, spread to different cities in a short time.

While official authorities have not made a clear statement regarding the number of deaths or injuries, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) announced that as the protests entered their 16th day, a total of 646 people, including 133 security personnel, one prosecutor, and 9 individuals under the age of 18, have lost their lives, and more than 10 thousand people are in custody.

As protests and interventions by security forces intensify across Iran, internet access in the country was also shut down as of January 9.

News Source: 12punto