U.S. urges citizens to leave Iran immediately amid security restrictions and nuclear talks
The U.S. State Department issued an urgent alert for American citizens to depart Iran or seek shelter, citing intensified security measures and transport disruptions as indirect nuclear negotiations resume in Oman.
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The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran issued an urgent alert Friday directing American citizens to leave the country immediately or establish evacuation plans independent of U.S. government assistance.
The alert cited intensifying security measures, road closures, public transport interruptions, and internet blockages by Iranian authorities. Airlines have continued limiting or canceling flights to and from Iran. The U.S. State Department advised citizens unable to depart to identify safe locations within their residences or other buildings.
The alert warned of potential violent protests and instructed U.S. nationals to avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile, and prepare for continuous internet outages. Citizens were advised to arrange alternative communication methods and avoid relying on government support for evacuation.
The warning comes as delegations from the United States and Iran began indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on Friday. The talks, mediated by Sultanate of Oman officials, mark a resumption of discussions on Iran's nuclear program that had been suspended since summer 2025.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, heading the Iranian delegation, characterized the opening session as "a good beginning" but indicated the negotiations would not be resolved quickly. "If this approach and the perspective of the counterpart persist, we can reach a framework for negotiations," Araghchi said, noting the first meeting had established a foundation for future consultations.
The talks were held in Muscat after Iran rejected a proposal to conduct negotiations in Istanbul with regional countries present as observers. The United States and Iran have not maintained direct diplomatic relations since 1980, when the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was closed following the Iranian Revolution.
The alert referenced thousands of deaths during anti-government protests in Iran and prior military intervention threats from the United States as context for the current security situation. The Iranian government has restricted access to mobile networks, fixed-line services, and the national internet as part of its response to civil unrest.