The United States has told its citizens in Iran to get out of the country as soon as possible. This comes as big protests against the Iranian government keep going on, and more than 600 people have died in the clashes. The US government says Americans there could be arrested for no good reason, and the situation is getting very dangerous. Protests started a few weeks ago over economic problems and other issues, and now they have spread to many cities in Iran. Security forces are cracking down hard, leading to many deaths and arrests. The world is watching closely, with US President Donald Trump talking about tough actions against Iran.
What the US Warning Says
The US State Department has put out a strong alert for Americans in Iran. They say, “Do not travel to Iran for any reason. If you are there, leave now.” The advisory is at Level 4, which is the highest level of danger. It talks about risks like terrorism, big crowds turning violent, kidnappings, and arrests without cause. Especially for people who have both US and Iranian passports, Iran sees them only as Iranian citizens, so they might not get help from the US.
In a recent update, the US Virtual Embassy in Iran said protests are getting worse and could lead to violence, arrests, and injuries. They warn about more security checks, roads being closed, buses and trains not running, and the internet being shut down. Americans should plan to leave without waiting for US government help. If it’s safe, they can go by land to nearby countries like Armenia or Turkey. Airlines have cut many flights to and from Iran, so getting out by air might be hard.
A spokesperson from the State Department said in a statement, “US citizens face a big risk of being questioned, arrested, or held in Iran. Showing a US passport or having ties to the US could be enough reason for them to detain you.” This is not new; the US has had this high-level warning for Iran for years, but the current protests make it even more urgent.
How the Protests Started and Spread
The protests in Iran began in late December 2025, mainly over rising prices of food and fuel, and people being unhappy with the government. Many Iranians are angry about economic troubles, like high inflation and not enough jobs. Some say it’s also about bigger issues, like freedom and rights under the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
At first, the protests were peaceful, with people marching in streets and chanting against the leaders. But soon, security forces stepped in, using tear gas, water cannons, and even guns to stop them. Videos shared online show clashes in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Protesters have burned cars and buildings, and some have attacked police stations.
The government has cut off the internet and phone lines in many places to stop people from sharing news and organizing. This makes it hard to know exactly what’s happening, but groups outside Iran are tracking it through people on the ground.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera, “If Washington wants to test the military option, we are ready for it.” He said Iran is prepared for any move by the US, showing how tense things are between the two countries.
The Rising Death Toll and Arrests
Human rights groups say the death toll from these protests is now over 600. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports at least 646 people have been killed, including 512 protesters and 134 security force members. Another group, Iran Human Rights based in Norway, puts the number at around 538, with most being protesters.
These numbers come from checking reports from inside Iran, even with the communication blackout. The groups say the real number could be higher because many deaths are not reported. For example, CNN reports 544 deaths, including eight children under 18. ABC News says over 600 have died, based on talks with experts.
More than 10,600 people have been arrested, according to HRANA. Many are held without charges, and some face serious accusations like threatening national security. Families say their loved ones are being tortured or treated badly in jail.
Negar Mortazavi, an expert on Iran, told ABC News, “The frustrations have been building for years, and now it’s exploding on the streets. Over 600 lives lost is a tragedy that the world can’t ignore.”
The Iranian government says the protests are under control now, but reports show they are still going on in some areas. They blame foreign enemies, like the US and Israel, for starting the trouble.
What the World Is Saying
President Donald Trump has been vocal about the situation. He said Iran wants to talk with the US, but he also threatened to hit them hard if they keep cracking down on protesters. Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country that keeps doing business with Iran, like buying their oil. This affects big buyers like India and China.
Trump tweeted, “Iran is killing its own people. We won’t stand by. Time for change!” But he also said his team is looking at military, cyber, and other options.
Other countries are worried too. The European Union has banned Iranian officials and refuses to recognize Khamenei’s rule during this crisis. The UN has called for Iran to stop the violence and let people protest peacefully.
Israel is on high alert, and some say they might join if the US acts. Russia and China have stayed quiet or supported Iran a bit.
In India, the government is watching because many Indians work in the Middle East, and oil prices could go up. But so far, the impact on global oil is small.
Impact on US Citizens and Dual Nationals
For Americans in Iran, the risks are very high. The US has no embassy there since 1979, so Switzerland helps with US matters. But during protests, getting help is tough.
Many US-Iranian dual citizens have been arrested in the past on fake charges like spying. They can be held for years, sometimes tortured, and not allowed to see lawyers. The advisory says Iran might put exit bans on people, stopping them from leaving.
One story from past cases: A US citizen was held for over a year on no real charges, and only released after big diplomatic talks. Now, with protests, the chance of random arrests is higher.
The State Department advises, “If you must go to Iran, have a will and plan for your family in case something happens.” They also say avoid big crowds and have backup ways to talk, like satellite phones.
Economic and Social Reasons Behind the Unrest
Iran’s economy has been bad for years because of US sanctions, low oil prices, and bad management. Many people can’t afford basic things like bread and petrol. Droughts have hurt farming, leading to water shortages and more anger.
Women and young people are leading many protests, calling for more freedoms. Past protests in 2019 and 2022 were about similar issues, like the death of Mahsa Amini. This time, it’s bigger, covering more cities.
Experts say the government is losing trust. A Middle East expert told DW News, “The regime is far from falling, but these protests show deep problems that won’t go away easily.”
What Might Happen Next
If protests keep going, Iran could see more violence. The government might ease some rules, like lifting internet blocks partly, but they say it’s under control.
On the US side, Trump might push for talks or more sanctions. He said, “Iran is weak now, and they know it. We can make a deal.” But Iran warns against any attack.
For the world, this could mean higher oil prices if things get worse, affecting countries like India that buy Iranian oil.
FAQs
Why did the US issue this warning now?
The US issued the warning because protests in Iran have turned very violent in January 2026. Over 600 people have died, and there’s a high chance of arrests for Americans. The State Department says the unrest makes it unsafe, with risks like wrongful detention and terrorism. It’s an update to their long-standing Level 4 advisory, but the current events make it more pressing.
What should Americans in Iran do to leave safely?
They should leave right away if it’s safe. Use land borders to Armenia or Turkey, as flights are limited. Plan without US help, have extra money, and use other ways to communicate since internet is down. Dual nationals must use Iranian passports to exit. Avoid protests and have emergency contacts.
How many people have died in the protests, and who is counting?
Rights groups say over 600 have died. HRANA reports 646, including protesters and security forces. Iran Human Rights says 538. These numbers come from local reports and videos. The Iranian government doesn’t give official figures, but they admit some deaths.
What is the Iranian government’s response?
They say the protests are under control and blame outsiders. They’ve arrested thousands and used force to stop crowds. Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iran is ready for any US action. They’ve also held pro-government rallies to show support.
How does this affect India and other countries?
India buys oil from Iran, so tariffs from Trump could raise prices. But so far, global oil markets are stable. Indians in Iran should follow their embassy’s advice. The EU and others have condemned the violence.
Are there past examples of such warnings?
Yes, the US has warned about Iran since 1979. In 2019 protests, similar alerts were issued when hundreds died. This time, it’s linked to the 2026 unrest.