TEHRAN / WASHINGTON : The United States on February 6, 2026, issued a nationwide directive advising all American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately, citing a deteriorating security environment, sustained communications disruptions, transportation constraints, and the risk of arbitrary detention.
The advisory was issued by the U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran, which serves as Washington’s primary channel for consular guidance in Iran due to the absence of formal diplomatic relations. The notice applies nationwide and follows heightened security measures introduced by Iranian authorities, including road closures, interruptions to public transportation, and restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet networks.
Security Conditions and Communications Disruptions
According to the advisory, Iranian authorities have continued to restrict access to communications infrastructure, resulting in persistent internet outages and limited phone connectivity. U.S. officials warned that these restrictions may be expanded without notice, complicating travel coordination and access to information.
Commercial air travel has become increasingly unreliable, with several international carriers reducing or canceling flights to and from Iran. The advisory states that U.S. citizens should not rely on U.S. government assistance for evacuation and must make independent arrangements to depart when safe to do so.
Guidance for U.S. Citizens
The directive instructs U.S. citizens to leave Iran as soon as conditions permit, identifying land travel as the most viable option under current circumstances. Individuals unable to depart immediately were advised to remain in a secure location, maintain adequate supplies of food, water, medications, and essential items, and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings.
Additional guidance included maintaining alternative means of communication where possible, keeping electronic devices charged, monitoring local media for updates, and keeping family or personal contacts informed of one’s status. U.S. citizens were also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive official security notifications.
Authorized Land Exit Routes
The advisory provided detailed information on land border crossings that remain accessible. U.S. citizens were explicitly warned not to travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan–Iran border region under any circumstances.
Travel to Armenia is possible through the Agarak/Norduz border crossing, which remains open. U.S. passport holders may enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days.
Multiple land crossings into Türkiye remain open, including Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow. U.S. citizens may enter Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid U.S. passport.
Entry into Turkmenistan is permitted only with prior authorization from Turkmen authorities. While land borders are open, travelers must obtain special permission in advance. The advisory notes that applications can be facilitated through the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat and must include full biographical details, passport information, the intended border crossing point, and a photograph of the passport biodata page.
Land borders with Azerbaijan remain closed to routine traffic. U.S. citizens with urgent circumstances may request special permission to enter, though approval is required from Azerbaijani authorities and processing times may be extended. Requests are handled through the U.S. Embassy in Baku.
Legal Status and Consular Constraints
The advisory reiterated that Iran does not recognize dual nationality. U.S.–Iranian dual nationals are required to enter and exit Iran using Iranian passports and are treated exclusively as Iranian citizens under Iranian law. U.S. officials cautioned that displaying U.S. citizenship or connections to the United States may increase the risk of questioning, arrest, or detention.
Due to the absence of U.S. diplomatic or consular relations with Iran, the Swiss government acts as the protecting power for U.S. interests, providing limited consular services through its embassy in Tehran.
Diplomatic Context
The departure advisory was issued hours after indirect U.S.–Iran discussions concluded in Muscat, Oman, without an immediate agreement. The talks were mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
The U.S. delegation included Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, White House adviser Jared Kushner, and U.S. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper. Iran’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The delegations did not meet directly, with Omani officials relaying messages between separate locations.
U.S. officials reiterated calls for a broader framework addressing Iran’s nuclear activities, ballistic missile capabilities, and regional engagements, while Iranian representatives maintained that discussions should remain confined to the nuclear file. A statement issued by Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the consultations focused on preparing conditions for future engagement, indicating that no substantive agreement was reached.
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