U.S. Issues Updated Security Alert Urging Americans to Leave Iran Now Amid Persistent Restrictions

IRAN - On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran issued an updated security alert advising U.S. citizens to depart immediately due to ongoing security measures, disruptions, and restrictions. This follows earlier alerts from January 2026, with modifications including the removal of protest references and expanded details on land border options for evacuation.

The alert emphasizes sustained internet blockages and transportation limitations, providing guidance for dual nationals and specific border crossings.

Iranian officials have responded to broader U.S. actions with statements on readiness and diplomacy, though no direct commentary on this specific alert was identified in state sources.

Security Alert Details

The February 5 alert outlines increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages across Iran.

​The Iranian government restricts access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines limit or cancel flights to and from Iran.

U.S. citizens should prepare for continued outages and alternative communication. Departure by land to Armenia or Türkiye is recommended if safe, with open crossings including Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow for Türkiye, and Agarak/Norduz for Armenia.

Dual nationals face challenges, as Iran does not recognize dual nationality and may prevent U.S.-Iranian citizens from leaving. Entry into Türkiye requires no advance approval for U.S. passports, but biographical data submission to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara is needed.

Similar processes apply for Turkmenistan, with authorization from the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, and Azerbaijan, though entry from Iran is restricted.

Actions include departing without U.S. government aid, checking flights, securing supplies, avoiding demonstrations, monitoring media, charging phones, and enrolling in STEP.

​Official Statements

• U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran, February 5, 2026: "Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing. The Government of Iran continues to restrict access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran. U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye."
• U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran, January 13, 2026: "Protests across Iran continue to escalate and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing. The Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran. U.S. citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Türkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so."
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, February 2026: "If the US is genuinely seeking real diplomacy, it must put an end to provocative and tension-escalating actions." (IRNA) Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, February 3, 2026: "Iran is fully aware of both the capabilities of its adversaries and its own strengths." (Mehr News Agency)

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