Washington, D.C. / Tehran, Iran – January 13, 2026 – The U.S. Virtual Embassy for Iran issued an urgent security alert on Monday, January 12, 2026, directing all American citizens in the country to “leave Iran now” amid rapidly intensifying nationwide anti-government protests, widespread violence, and severe disruptions including a prolonged internet blackout.
The alert, posted on the official U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran website, warned that protests across the Islamic Republic are “escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries.” It highlighted increased security measures, road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and ongoing blockages of mobile, landline, and national internet networks imposed by Iranian authorities. Several airlines have limited or canceled flights to and from Iran, with some suspending services until January 16, 2026.
The embassy advised U.S. citizens to plan for departure without relying on assistance from the U.S. government, as no American diplomatic presence exists in Iran due to severed relations since 1980. For those unable to leave immediately, it recommended finding “a secure location within your residence or another safe building.” The advisory specifically urged considering land border crossings to neighboring Armenia or Türkiye “if safe to do so,” while expecting continued internet outages and planning alternative communication methods.
Special caution was directed at U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, emphasizing that the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and treats such individuals solely as Iranian citizens. The alert stated: “Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone.” Iran remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel status on the U.S. State Department advisory, citing risks of arbitrary detention, terrorism, and civil unrest.
The warning coincides with the deadliest wave of protests in Iran since the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement, sparked initially by economic grievances including hyperinflation, rial depreciation, and shortages. Demonstrations have spread nationwide, evolving into calls for regime change, with reports of clashes in major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. U.S.-based rights group HRANA has verified at least 490 protester deaths and over 10,600 arrests, with total fatalities exceeding 500 including security personnel in some tallies. Other activist reports place the death toll higher, approaching or surpassing 600, though Iranian authorities have not released official figures and have blamed “terrorists” or foreign agitators for much of the violence.
In response to the crackdown, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, a sweeping 25% tariff on “any and all” countries conducting business with Iran. Posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “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.” The measure, described as “final and conclusive,” targets Iran's major trading partners such as China, India, the UAE, Turkey, and Iraq, potentially disrupting global trade flows. No formal White House documentation or legal basis was immediately detailed, raising questions about implementation.
Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention if Iranian forces use lethal force against protesters, stating on Sunday that he receives “hourly reports” on the situation and is considering “very strong options.” He expressed openness to diplomacy, noting that Iranian officials had contacted him to negotiate, while warning of severe retaliation if Tehran attacks U.S. interests.
According to CBS News, citing two Pentagon officials speaking anonymously, Trump was briefed on Monday on a broad array of military and covert options beyond conventional airstrikes. These include cyber operations to disrupt command structures, communications, and state-run media, as well as psychological campaigns. The tools could be deployed independently or integrated with kinetic strikes, such as long-range missiles targeting nuclear or ballistic missile facilities. Trump's national security team was scheduled to discuss updated options at the White House on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The developments have heightened tensions, with Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warning that U.S. or Israeli actions would make American bases and forces “legitimate targets.” Iran has maintained that the protests are under control while imposing strict measures to limit information flow.
As the unrest enters its third week under a communications blackout lasting over 100 hours in some reports, international observers express concern over further escalation. The U.S. advisory underscores the precarious situation for Americans in Iran, urging immediate action amid uncertainty over Washington's next moves.
