Insights

On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran issued a strong advisory urging American citizens to vacate the country following a recent partial reopening of Iranian airspace. This call came amid ongoing tensions and a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel that concluded a nearly two-week period of conflict. The embassy noted that while airspace had reopened, the situation remained precarious, and many flights could be interrupted, prompting immediate action from U.S. citizens within Iran. Expectations for consular support were lowered, as U.S. government assistance could not be relied upon. The advisory also highlighted the travel options available to Americans wishing to exit Iran, specifically directing them to consider overland routes to neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, or Turkmenistan, contingent on safety conditions along these paths. Alongside this, the U.S. State Department created a crisis information acceptance form for individuals in Iran to facilitate communication regarding consular assistance, illustrating the limited support Americans in the country could expect during the withdrawal process. American citizens were urged to prepare personal emergency plans, maintain communication with family, and ensure their phones were charged in anticipation of limited connectivity due to Iranian government restrictions on internet and phone lines. Furthermore, the embassy cautioned American-Iranian dual citizens about unique travel risks, underscoring that they must leave Iran using their Iranian passports due to the Iranian government's stance on dual citizenship, which does not recognize the American aspect. As a result of these tensions, the U.S. government underscored the heightened risks of interrogation, arrest, and potential detention faced by U.S. nationals in Iran, particularly if they identified themselves as American. Possession of a U.S. passport could lead to the confiscation of personal documents by Iranian authorities. Consequently, those affected were advised to navigate the exit procedures with care and awareness of the current geopolitical climate to ensure their safety while trying to return home.