The U.S. State Department has issued an emergency directive, instructing all American citizens currently in Iran to leave the country without delay due to a sharp escalation in regional tensions and an immediate threat to personal safety.
The official advisory warns that the situation in Iran is highly unstable and that U.S. citizens are at serious risk. Additional hostile incidents — including drone strikes, missile attacks, and armed conflict — may occur at any time.
With no official U.S. diplomatic presence in Iran, American interests are represented by the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which is now serving as the primary point of contact for any citizens requiring assistance or unable to depart on their own.
The evacuation order also applies to some non-essential U.S. diplomatic personnel and family members stationed across the region, including in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Several embassies have begun relocation procedures for staff dependents.
The warning comes amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, including reported hits on nuclear and military infrastructure. In response, Iran has closed parts of its airspace and vowed retaliation, further complicating the security situation and limiting civilian travel options.
U.S. citizens are urged to depart Iran as soon as possible while commercial options are still available. The State Department emphasizes that evacuation routes may become unavailable without warning and that citizens should monitor official alerts and embassy communications for further guidance.
