‘Leave Iran Now’: US Issues Stark Advisory Ahead of Nuclear Talks

The United States has issued a rare and stark advisory urging its citizens to leave Iran immediately, warning of deteriorating security conditions, widespread disruptions and the risk of sudden escalation even as Tehran prepares to re-enter nuclear talks with Washington.

In a statement released by the virtual US Embassy in Iran, American citizens were cautioned against remaining in the country amid road closures, flight cancellations, internet disruptions and interruptions to public transport. The advisory said conditions could worsen quickly and stressed that the US government would not be able to provide emergency assistance or evacuation services.

“US citizens should leave Iran now,” the advisory said, urging those unable to depart immediately to maintain a low profile, avoid demonstrations, limit communications, and prepare contingency plans. Americans were advised to consider overland exits via Armenia or Türkiye, while being mindful of border conditions and travel restrictions.

The warning carried particular urgency for dual US-Iranian nationals, noting that Iran does not recognise dual citizenship and may detain individuals with American links. The advisory said such individuals face a heightened risk of questioning, arrest or travel restrictions.

The timing of the warning is striking.

It comes just as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travels to Muscat, Oman, to lead a diplomatic delegation for fresh nuclear negotiations with the United States—talks that Iranian officials have described as narrowly focused on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the negotiations aim to reach a “just, honourable and sustainable” agreement that protects Iran’s national interests. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei acknowledged the country’s fraught diplomatic history, saying Iran remained mindful of past experiences where commitments were not honoured. “But we also have a responsibility not to miss any opportunity to use diplomacy to safeguard peace and security,” he said.

Araghchi confirmed that the talks would take place in Muscat on Friday morning, thanking Oman for its mediating role and noting that Iran had sought to shift the venue from Istanbul to ensure a more focused, indirect dialogue conducted through intermediaries.

The juxtaposition underscores the fragile moment facing US–Iran relations: while diplomats prepare to talk, Washington is signalling that conditions on the ground inside Iran are volatile enough to warrant an immediate exit.

For American citizens still in Iran, the message is unambiguous. For policymakers, the contrast between heightened security warnings and renewed diplomatic engagement highlights how thin the line remains between dialogue and disruption.

(With inputs from ANI)