On Friday, 6 February 2026, the United States Department of State issued an advisory, urging all American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately.
The urgent directive, released via the Virtual US Embassy in Iran, warns of a highly volatile environment marked by severe state-sanctioned internet blackouts, nationwide road closures, and the collapse of public transport networks.
Officials emphasized that the US government cannot guarantee safety or provide assisted evacuation services, advising citizens to finalize independent travel plans via air or land routes into Armenia or Türkiye.
This escalation comes even as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travels to Oman for renewed nuclear talks, highlighting a stark contrast between diplomatic efforts and the deteriorating security situation on the ground.
US-Iran Tension Rises
The sudden urgency of the “Leave Now” notice follows a period of intensifying confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Tensions surged in late January 2026 after US President Donald Trump threatened military action in response to a crackdown on widespread protests that began in December 2025.
In a significant show of force, the US has deployed what officials described as an “armada” to the Gulf region, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying strike group.
These developments have created an atmosphere of extreme uncertainty, with social media speculation rife about impending military intervention, even as intermediaries in Oman attempt to facilitate a “just and sustainable” agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
Risks For Dual Nationals
The security bulletin carries a particular warning for US-Iranian dual nationals, whom the Iranian government treats solely as Iranian citizens.
These individuals face a heightened risk of arbitrary questioning, arrest, and detention, with officials noting that merely demonstrating a connection to the United States can be grounds for imprisonment.
Because the US has no formal diplomatic or consular presence in Tehran, the Swiss government serves as the protecting power for American interests, offering only limited emergency services.
An official from the State Department warned, “Showing a US passport or connections to the United States is reason enough for authorities to detain someone,” adding that those unable to depart must stock essential supplies and shelter in a secure location.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no human being should ever be used as a pawn in the high-stakes game of international geopolitics. The sight of civilians being forced to flee their homes while communication networks are dismantled is a distressing reminder of how fragile peace can be.
We advocate for a world where diplomatic channels, such as those currently opening in Oman, are given the space to succeed without the shadow of military “armadas” or threats of detention.
We urge both nations to prioritise the safety of ordinary people and the restoration of digital freedoms, as silence and isolation only breed further conflict. A truly just agreement is one that protects not just national interests, but the basic human rights and safe passage of every individual.
